Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware (illness) has been ruled out for Saturday's matchup against Charlotte. He missed Friday's practice and will not travel to the game due to a stomach illness. Ware, the 15th pick of this year's draft, saw six minutes of action in his NBA debut on Wednesday versus Orlando. He went scoreless with one rebound. The 20-year-old played very well in the Summer League, but it looks like it will take some time until he carves out a consistent role for himself on the team. Ware's absence opens up additional playing time for Thomas Bryant, who contributed seven points, three rebounds, two assists, and one block in 16 minutes versus the Magic.
Kel'el Ware Logs Double-Double In Summer League Final
Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware played his part in Monday's Summer League final triumph against the Grizzlies with a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double. The young big man had an excellent Summer League campaign with the Heat and finished it in style, shooting 8-for-10 from the field while also logging one block. Ware averaged 1.5 swats per game in Las Vegas, along with 18.0 points and 8.3 rebounds. He was named to the All-Summer League First Team for his impressive efforts. At 20 years old, Ware still has a lot of room to grow and develop his game, but he looks ready to contribute to the Heat right away in his rookie campaign.
Kel'el Ware Bags Another Double-Double Versus Thunder
Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware posted his second double-double in four Summer League games on Monday, finishing a 102-73 victory over Oklahoma City with 11 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. He went 5-for-12 from the field, including 1-for-2 from three-point range. Ware's efforts included one assist, one steal, and one block. The seven-footer, who was the 15th pick in last month's draft, has done very well during Summer League action, which could give him a chance to break into the Heat rotation straight away when the new NBA campaign kicks off. Ware has averaged 16.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks in 25.9 minutes in the Summer League.
Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware finished with a 26-point, 11-rebound double-double in Sunday's 102-86 California Classic victory over the Sacramento Kings. The 2024 No. 15 overall pick had 12 points, six rebounds, and five blocks in the loss to the Warriors on Saturday. While he wasn't as impactful on the defensive end on Sunday, he still led his team to a win. With that said, the former Indiana Hoosier continues to make a positive impression. While Ware is undersized, he has a chance to carve out a role behind Bam Adebayo heading into the 2024-25 campaign.
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