Kel'el Ware News, Rumors, Updates - Miami Heat

Double-double in Friday's loss Ware produced 10 points (4-12 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 14 rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal over 26 minutes during Friday's 102-86 loss to Brooklyn.

Impact After failing to score a point in Wednesday's win over the Sixers, Ware bounced back with his sixth double-double of the season, albeit in a losing effort. Five of them have come in the last nine games since moving into Miami's starting lineup, a stretch in which Ware has averaged 11.8 points, 10.7 boards, 1.2 assists, 1.2 threes, 1.1 blocks and 0.9 steals. With Jimmy Butler now with Golden State, Ware and his frontcourt mate Bam Adebayo figure to become the focal point of the Heat offense along with Tyler Herro.

FEBRUARY 8 • ROTOWIRE

Double-double in Chicago Ware amassed 17 points (8-12 FG, 1-2 3Pt), 12 rebounds, one assist and one steal over 31 minutes during Tuesday's 133-124 loss to the Bulls.

Impact The rookie center has been a revelation for the Heat since moving into the starting lineup in late January. Over the last seven games, Ware has averaged 13.7 points, 9.9 boards, 1.6 threes, 1.3 blocks, 1.0 steals and 0.9 assists while shooting 53.3 percent from the floor and 42.3 percent (11-for-26) from beyond the arc. He's also recorded four of his five career double-double in that span. Bam Adebayo has also seen his numbers jump up significantly while playing alongside the 15th overall pick in the 2024 Draft, another strong sign that Ware isn't going to move back to the bench any time soon.

FEBRUARY 5 • ROTOWIRE

2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year odds: Kel'el Ware becomes new favorite

Miami's rookie big man is quickly turning into a star, as well as the favorite to win Rookie of the Year. See the odds.

JANUARY 28

2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year odds: Kel'el Ware becomes new favorite

Double-doubles in win Ware logged 19 points (7-8 FG, 4-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 10 rebounds, one block and two steals across 42 minutes during Monday's 125-119 double-overtime victory over the Magic.

Impact It's safe to say Ware is enjoying his new role in the starting lineup alongside Bam Adebayo. Over his last five games, Ware leads Miami in nine-category fantasy value, posting second-round numbers with averages of 18.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.8 blocks on 52.9 percent shooting from the field and 90.0 percent from the line. His fantasy arrow is pointing straight up.

JANUARY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Continues to impress Thursday Ware had 22 points (9-15 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds, two blocks and one steal over 35 minutes during Thursday's 125-96 loss to the Bucks.

Impact The standout rookie big man kept his foot on the gas Thursday, piling up a team-high 22 points en route to his third double-double of the campaign. Considering Haywood Highsmith was mostly ineffective as a starter for the Heat during the first half of the season, the starting job alongside Bam Adebayo in Miami's frontcourt appears to be Ware's to lose at this point. Over his last eight contests, Ware has averaged 14.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.1 three-pointers in 26.1 minutes while shooting 55.1 percent from the field.

JANUARY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Double-doubles in first start Ware recorded 20 points (8-17 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 15 rebounds and two blocks in 39 minutes during Tuesday's 116-107 loss to the Trail Blazers.

Impact Ware was rewarded with his first career start Tuesday after a strong outing against San Antonio. The rookie center paid back coach Eric Spoelstra's trust by putting up a career-high 15 rebounds and posting a plus-eight point differential despite losing. If Ware can keep performing at a high level, he will likely continue to start alongside Bam Adebayo in Miami's frontcourt.

JANUARY 22 • ROTOWIRE

Earns first career start Tuesday Ware will start Tuesday's game against Portland, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Impact Ware will make his first NBA start Tuesday alongside Bam Adebayo in Miami's frontocurt, supplanting Haywood Highsmith from the first unit. The rookie first-rounder is averaging 12.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 threes while shooting 45.8 percent from three-point land in 20.6 minutes over his last 11 games.

JANUARY 22 • ROTOWIRE

Standout performance off bench Ware amassed 25 points (10-19 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 4-4 FT), eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 34 minutes during Sunday's 128-107 victory over the Spurs.

Impact It was a standout performance off Miami's bench by Ware, who ended up exceeding Bam Adebayo's minutes total while matching his season high with 25 points to lead the team in Sunday's rout. Ware has made a serious case for more playing time with the Heat since the calendar flipped to January, as he's averaging 12.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 threes while shooting 45.8 percent from three-point land in 20.6 minutes over his last 11 games. The rookie first-rounder's fantasy upside will remain capped while Adebayo is healthy, but Ware is showcasing a unique skill set when it comes to providing treys and swats alongside a high field-goal percentage.

JANUARY 20 • ROTOWIRE

Officially active Ware (foot) will play in Wednesday's game against the Lakers.

Impact Ware saw 33 minutes off the bench Monday due to the absence of Bam Adebayo (back) but should see his minutes dip down Wednesday with Adebayo healthy. In the 12 games before Monday's outburst, Ware averaged 8.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2 blocks across 16.2 minutes.

JANUARY 16 • ROTOWIRE

Likely to play against Lakers Ware (foot) is probable for Wednesday's game against the Lakers.

Impact After notching his first career double-double off Miami's bench in Monday's game against the Clippers, Ware is managing right foot soreness but is likely to play Wednesday. The rookie big man is averaging 11.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks over his last eight games, and the Heat may need Ware to play a significant role against Los Angeles if Bam Adebayo (back) remains sidelined.

JANUARY 14 • ROTOWIRE

First double-double of career Ware totaled 19 points (7-11 FG, 3-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 13 rebounds, one block and one steal across 33 minutes during Monday's 109-98 loss to the Clippers.

Impact The rookie big man out of Indiana notched a double-double for the first time in his career, and he took advantage of the absence of Bam Adebayo (back) to clear the 25-minute mark for the first time as well. Ware has scored in double digits in four of his last eight contests, a span in which he's averaging 11.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per contest.

JANUARY 14 • ROTOWIRE

Ties season high in rebounds Ware amassed eight points (4-5 FG), seven rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal over 19 minutes during Thursday's 97-92 win over the Jazz.

Impact Ware played fewer than 20 minutes for a third straight game but remains a key part of Miami's bench unit due to Jimmy Butler's (suspension) absence. Over his last six appearances, the rookie first-round pick has averaged 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 1.0 assists and 0.7 steals while shooting 68.4 percent from the field in 18.3 minutes per game.

JANUARY 10 • ROTOWIRE

Shines off bench vs. Indiana Ware posted 25 points (9-11 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 4-5 FT), one assist, three blocks and one steal over 21 minutes during Thursday's 128-115 loss to the Pacers.

Impact Ware had the best game of his young career -- and by a sizable margin -- Thursday by scoring 25 points due to an excellent shooting display. Ware struggled to crack the rotation in the first weeks of the season but has logged double-digit minutes in each of his last seven games, averaging 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game off the bench in that span. He should continue to see minutes off the bench going forward, especially based on the fact he's coming off the bench.

JANUARY 3 • ROTOWIRE

Tallies career-high 10 points Ware accumulated 10 points (4-4 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, one assist and one block across 17 minutes during Wednesday's 119-108 win over the Pelicans.

Impact Ware scored a career-high 10 points, delivering another encouraging performance. After playing a sporadic role to begin the season, Ware appears to have assumed the role of backup center behind Bam Adebayo. After Thomas Bryant was traded to Indiana, Ware shifted up in the rotation, an indication that the coaching staff has enough trust to get him out there on a regular basis.

JANUARY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Turns heads off bench Ware chipped in nine points (4-6 FG, 1-2 3Pt), seven rebounds, one block and two steals across 17 minutes during Monday's 110-95 win over the Nets.

Impact After being out of the rotation for nearly a month, Ware has been getting the backup center minutes in two straight games. He's been productive in limited run, averaging 8.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in just 15.5 minutes during that span. He's certainly someone worth monitoring in deeper formats with his newfound minutes.

DECEMBER 24, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Recalled by Miami Miami recalled Ware from the G League's Sioux Falls Skyforce on Monday.

Impact Ware played in Sunday's 114-112 G League loss to Grand Rapids, finishing with 20 points (9-14 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 0-1 FT), 10 rebounds, five assists, four blocks and two steals over 31 minutes. At the NBA level, however, Ware has played just 6.9 minutes per game across 10 contests.

DECEMBER 10, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Assigned to G League Friday Ware was assigned to the Heat's G League affiliate and has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Suns.

Impact Ware will return to the G League, and he hasn't played in an NBA game since Nov. 27 due in part to right foot tendinitis. However, the rookie has been cleared to play and is expected to suit up for the Sioux Falls Skyforce's next matchup against the Grand Rapids Gold on Sunday.

DECEMBER 6, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Heads to G League The Heat assigned Ware (foot) to the G League's Sioux Falls Skyforce on Monday.

Impact Ware is currently sidelined by a foot injury, and it's unclear if he's able to practice with the G League club. The rookie made nine appearances for the Heat in November but played double-digit minutes only twice.

DECEMBER 3, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Won't suit up Monday Ware (foot) will not play Monday against the Celtics.

Impact Ware will miss his second game in a row Monday, and his timetable remains murky at best. His absence doesn't carry many fantasy implications, however, as he's been a fringe rotation player for Miami.

DECEMBER 2, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Sunday Ware (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raptors.

Impact Ware was a late addition to the injury report before he was eventually ruled out due to right foot tendinitis. The rookie big man's absence shouldn't case many waves in the rotation, as he has appeared in three of the Heat's last five games, during which he averaged 2.0 points and 2.3 rebounds across 7.3 minutes per game. Ware's next chance to play will come Monday versus Boston.

DECEMBER 1, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Downgraded to questionable Sunday Ware is questionable for Sunday's game against the Raptors due to right foot tendinitis, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

Impact Ware was a late addition to the injury report while he deals with a lingering foot issue. The rookie has yet to carve out a significant role with the club and has appeared in three of its last five games, during which he averaged 2.0 points and 2.3 rebounds across 7.3 minutes per game.

DECEMBER 1, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Limited role continues Ware finished with four points (1-2 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, one block and one steal over 12 minutes during Wednesday's 98-94 victory over Charlotte.

Impact Ware continues to be used sparingly off the bench, logging double-digit minutes for just the second time all season. Despite putting together a strong preseason, Ware has struggled to carve out a consistent role. It does appear as though he has edged ahead of Thomas Bryant in the rotation, something that is certainly a step in the right direction. However, barring an injury to Bam Adebayo, Ware is likely to be limited moving forward.

NOVEMBER 28, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Rolls ankle, still available Ware rolled his left ankle during Miami's morning shootaround, but he's still available for Tuesday's game against the Pistons, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

Impact Ware played nine minutes against Minnesota on Sunday, posting four points and three blocks. While he'll be available, he's not guaranteed playing time. Ware didn't appear in four of Miami's first six games but has totaled 25 minutes over the last three contests.

NOVEMBER 12, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Makes impact off bench Ware finished Wednesday's 115-112 loss to the Suns with seven points (3-6 FG, 1-1 3Pt), three rebounds, one block and two steals in 14 minutes.

Impact Ware made just his third appearance of the season Wednesday as he has been an inconsistent part of Miami's rotation. The rookie big man capitalized on his season-high 14 minutes to show off his defensive potential and ability to stretch the floor. Thomas Bryant logged no minutes against Phoenix, so it will be worth monitoring to see if Ware replaces him as the Heat's backup center going forward.

NOVEMBER 7, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Off injury report for Monday Ware (illness) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Monday's game versus the Pistons.

Impact Ware did not travel with the team on the road to Charlotte on Saturday due to a stomach illness. However, he is expected to return after missing only one game. If Kevin Love (personal) is ruled out, Ware and Thomas Bryant will likely pick up the slack.

OCTOBER 27, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

KEL'EL WARE NEWS

NEWS

BIO

STATS

VIDEOS

GAME LOG

INJURIES

2024-25 NBA Rookie of the Year odds: Kel'el Ware becomes new favorite