Kel'el Ware
Nextvs CLE
2025-26 Season Stats
PPG
12.8
RPG
9.1
APG
0.6
FG%
49.7
3P%
36.5
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31 articles
MIA • Center • #7
3 days ago
Friday’s game was the first for Miami since losing Bam Adebayo to a foot injury during Wednesday’s loss to the Nuggets. After coming off the bench in the two previous games, Ware moved into the starting lineup on Friday, and he struggled offensively. The second-year center shot 2-of-7 inside the restricted area, which was a disappointing output. Depending on how long the Heat will be without Adebayo, they’ll need Ware to be consistently productive.
MIA • Center • #7
3 days ago
Ware rejoins Miami’s starting lineup in the absence of Bam Adebayo, who suffered a toe injury in Wednesday’s loss to the Nuggets. Ware has been in and out of the starting lineup to begin his second NBA season, but given the expected boost in opportunities, he could be on double-double watch on Friday. The Heat will look to get on the right side of .500 as they take on the Hornets.
Source: Brady Hawk
MIA • Center • #7
5 days ago
Ware moved back to the bench on Monday with Norman Powell returning after missing three games with a groin injury. The 21-year-old center then ended up starting the second half on Wednesday while Bam Adebayo didn’t return to the game after suffering a foot injury. Ware was able to manage a double-double in 27 minutes off the bench. His fantasy value would increase significantly if Adebayo were to miss time. Ware is rostered in just 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues.
MIA • Center • #7
17 days ago
Nikola Jovic started the season opener, and when both Ware and Jovic were available during the preseason, Jovic was the starter. However, Erik Spoelstra made the change for this game and opted to start Ware next to Bam Adebayo. Ware was productive in the start, but Jovic was also really productive off the bench and finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two steals. With the Knicks up next on the schedule on Sunday, we’ll see if Jovic or Ware gets the starting nod.
MIA • Center • #7
17 days ago
After Nikola Jovic started in the season opener, coach Erik Spoelstra will make the change by bumping up Ware, who was only on the floor when Adebayo wasn’t during the season opener. It’s unclear if this is a permanent change, since Ware never started over Jovic during the preseason. This situation is worth monitoring moving forward.
Source: Anthony Chiang
MIA • Center • #7
19 days ago
Ware will play despite initially being questionable for Wednesday’s game. Whether he starts or comes off the bench has not been determined, with Nikola Jović being another option to start alongside Bam Adebayo. Either way, both players should be rostered in standard leagues.
Source: Tim Reynolds
MIA • Center • #7
20 days ago
Initially probable for Wednesday’s opener due to neck spasms, Ware was downgraded to questionable due to a different injury. The second-year center sprained his left ankle late in Tuesday’s practice and is not a lock to be available Wednesday night. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said that he hasn’t decided on a starting lineup, but no Ware may increase the likelihood that Nikola Jović is one of the five players on the court to begin the regular season.
Source: Anthony Chiang
MIA • Center • #7
21 days ago
Ware missed practice on Monday, but that isn’t expected to keep him from suiting up in the season opener. Ware started the last few preseason games, but Nikola Jović, who had been starting, didn’t play in those games. It’s unclear which of the two will get the starting nod against Orlando.
Source: Barry Jackson
MIA • Center • #7
21 days ago
Ware was dealing with neck spasms, hence his absence from Monday’s practice. According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, a team doctor was due to examine the second-year center’s neck during practice. If Ware cannot play in Wednesday’s opener against the Magic, Nikola Jović would figure more prominently in the Heat rotation. Jović began the preseason as a starter, so the role won’t be unfamiliar if he’s asked to start.
Source: Anthony Chiang
MIA • Center • #7
24 days ago
Ware concluded an impressive preseason with another dominant stat line. In 30 minutes of game action, he did his scoring damage inside the arc and crashed the glass hard to secure his fourth double-double of the preseason. Ware also competed on the defensive end, and going into Year 2, has a chance to take a massive leap and provide Miami with another reliable frontcourt option.
MIA • Center • #7
29 days ago
Make it three straight double-doubles for Ware, who’s having a tremendous preseason. Ware got the start in this one while Nikola Jovic (back) got the night off. It’s not yet clear if Ware or Nikola Jovic will start alongside Bam Adebayo in Miami’s frontcourt this season, but regardless, Ware looks primed for a big Year 2.
MIA • Center • #7
about 1 month ago
After failing to block a shot in either of Miami’s first two preseason games, Ware got on the board in that category Wednesday night. However, what stood out the most was his aggression on both ends of the floor, even if the blocked shot production was limited. Ware enjoyed a first-quarter stretch in which he hit two three-pointers and blocked a Victor Wembanyama shot that led to a Heat layup on the other end. Nikola Jović (3/3/3 in 21 minutes) remained in the starting lineup, but Ware played more. Even if the second-year center is used in a reserve role, fantasy managers should not hesitate to select him just outside the first 100 picks in standard league drafts.
MIA • Center • #7
about 1 month ago
Ware followed a strong preseason opener with another productive outing on Monday. He came off the bench to finish as one of Miami’s top-2 scorers on the evening, while his work on the glass led to a game-high in rebounds. The second-year big did most of his damage in the fourth quarter, where he scored 14 of his points. Ware finished his rookie season as a permanent starter — if he continues to come off the bench throughout the preseason, there’s a chance he could remain in a reserve role to begin the regular season.
MIA • Center • #7
4 months ago
Give Ware credit for responding to Heat coach Erik Spoelstra’s recent comments about the young center’s need to improve his professionalism and consistency. The 7-footer shot 3-of-3 from beyond the arc in Monday’s victory and grabbed 15 rebounds. Once he moved into the starting lineup last season, Ware was able to develop into a solid fantasy option in standard leagues. He possesses a high ceiling heading into Year 2, especially if he’s consistently aggressive on both ends of the floor.
MIA • Center • #7
4 months ago
For returnees with significant regular-season experience, the hope during summer league is that those players can dominate early before being shut down. Unfortunately for the Heat, that has not happened with Ware, leading to Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra saying that the 7-footer’s professionalism and consistency need to improve. Ware was better against the Cavaliers, but his performance was not enough to keep Miami from losing by 20. Even if Sunday’s performance is deemed good enough to be Ware’s last appearance of the summer, he’s got some work to do before the start of next season. After a solid rookie season, he will be worth selecting in all leagues.
Source: Miami Herald
MIA • Center • #7
4 months ago
Ware came on strong during the second half of his rookie year in Miami after being drafted 15th overall in 2024. He became a full-time starter, which is a role he should maintain heading into next season. Still, he was out there to kick off Summer League, though it’s unclear how many games he’ll end up playing in. He missed all four of his three-point attempts but was aggressive as a scoring option in this game. Of course, the defensive production was great to see after he averaged 1.1 blocks per game during his rookie season.
MIA • Center • #7
7 months ago
Ware was the lone regular in the Heat starting lineup for Sunday’s regular-season finale, as they were locked into a play-in tournament matchup with Chicago. With that in mind, it’s unsurprising that the rookie only logged 20 minutes, with Keshad Johnson (17/8/1/2 with two three-pointers in 28 minutes) among the Heat reserves whose opportunities increased. Ware will assume his usual role on Wednesday, while Johnson will be inactive as a two-way contract player.
MIA • Center • #7
7 months ago
Ware played just 26 minutes as the Heat blew out the Pelicans by 49 points. The 20-year-old center still managed to put up a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Ware is just scratching the surface of his potential in his first season in the NBA. He’s been a top-100 player in fantasy since the All-Star break and remains a growth stock that we’re interested in buying in future seasons.
MIA • Center • #7
8 months ago
Ware was one of Miami’s difference-makers on Saturday, recording a complete stat line in his 31 minutes on the floor. Over the past two weeks, the Heat rookie has provided top-50 value in eight- and nine-cat formats. Ware’s partnership with Bam Adebayo has been profitable for the first-round pick, as it has turned him into a player who should be rostered in most standard leagues. Adebayo finished Saturday’s victory with 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two three-pointers in 28 minutes.
MIA • Center • #7
8 months ago
Ware was the game’s leading rebounder as he produced a third double-double in his last four games. Ware has now scored in double figures in six straight games as he continues to improve down the home stretch of the season. The rookie out of Indiana has seen his playing time and production soar since the All-Star break, and fantasy managers should expect more of the same moving forward.
MIA • Center • #7
8 months ago
Ware was the game’s leading rebounder as he produced a third double-double in his last four games. Ware has now scored in double figures in six straight games as he continues to improve down the home stretch of the season. The rookie out of Indiana has seen his playing time and production soar since the All-Star break, and fantasy managers should expect more of the same moving forward.
MIA • Center • #7
8 months ago
Ware has played at least 30 minutes in three of the last four games and has recorded a double-double each time he’s played at least 30 minutes over that stretch. The 20-year-old center clearly has immense potential as a big man who can score, rebound, shoot threes and impact the game on the defensive end. That was all on display again Friday. Ware is a budding fantasy star with the only question remaining being if he can get consistent playing time in Miami’s rotation.
MIA • Center • #7
8 months ago
Ware returned to the Heat starting lineup on Saturday and was among the few bright spots in their 125-91 defeat. The rookie’s double-double was his eighth of the season and first since February 23. Whether or not Ware can build on Saturday’s effort will depend on his place within the rotation. Being allowed to start raises the rookie’s fantasy ceiling considerably. Jaime Jaquez Jr., who Ware replaced in the starting lineup, finished with 13 points, five rebounds and three assists in 26 minutes.
MIA • Center • #7
8 months ago
Ware returns to the starting lineup in the only change for the Heat, replacing Jaime Jaquez Jr. While the rookie’s production has tailed off since the All-Star break, he’s worth slotting into fantasy lineups when allowed to start. Jaquez isn’t worth holding onto in most leagues when coming off the bench.
Source: Miami Heat
MIA • Center • #7
8 months ago
Ware scored his seven points on seven shot attempts, so there wasn’t much to write home about on offense. He shined, however, on the defensive end with a team-high rebound total and four stocks. Production like this is absolutely sustainable for the rookie moving forward.
MIA • Center • #7
8 months ago
Ware will be back in action following a three-game absence, and he should reclaim his starting spot from Kevin Love. Burks’ second straight absence should free up additional minutes for Terry Rozier.
Source: https://ak-static.cms.nba.com/referee/injury/Injury-Report_2025-03-08_06PM.pdf
MIA • Center • #7
8 months ago
This will be a third-straight absence for Ware, which will likely lead to a third-straight start for Kevin Love. However, Love has only averaged 14 minutes per game across Miami’s last two games. Kyle Anderson and Haywood Highsmith will come off the bench, but they’ll both play larger roles than Love.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIA • Center • #7
8 months ago
Ware will miss the second night of Miami’s back-to-back due to a knee sprain, which is a new injury for him. Haywood Highsmith is the likely candidate to replace Ware in the starting unit, though he doesn’t offer much upside in fantasy basketball.
Source: NBA Injury Report
MIA • Center • #7
8 months ago
Ware had a massive night in the blocked shots category, doubling his previous high with six rejections. The rookie center’s emergence has been one of the positives for the Heat, whose season was nearly derailed by the Jimmy Butler saga. Since moving into the starting lineup for good on January 21, Ware has provided seventh-round value in nine-cat formats. He’s rostered in 52 percent of Yahoo! leagues, and that number should increase ahead of Miami’s four-game Week 18.