Indiana's Kel’el Ware Blends Modern Game With Traditional Big Man Traits
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Kel'el Ware transferred to Indiana and immediately popped for the Hoosiers, blending his modern skillset with traditional big-man traits which makes him such an appealing prospect in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Ware is averaging 16.1 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2.4 stocks per game while shooting 60 percent from the floor, 44 percent from beyond the arc, and 62 percent at the charity stripe.
While the free throw number is a bit concerning, he did hit the 70 percent mark a season ago at the line, his shot mechanics and production from the 3-point tape signal he will be at minimum a serviceable floor spacer at the next level.
Ware's offense has to be intrigue NBA teams, he knocks down catch-and-shoot chances at a 42 percent clip, converting 74 percent of the time at the rim, and shooting 46 percent in spot-up chances.
He excels as a cutter turning in 1.324 points per possession, sets high-quality screens to free up himself and his teammates posting 1.196 points per possession as a roll man in the pick-and-roll and runs the floor hard at his size like a runaway train when the game goes up tempo contributing 1.485 points per possessions in transition.
As the 7-footer thrives as a floor-spacing play-finisher he is also really good with his back to the basket both spraying the ball out of the post as necessary with soft touch on hook shots and runners to put up points for the Hoosiers. Ware also can get physical on the glass converting 25 put-backs so far this season.
Defensively, the Little Rock, AR product understands how to use his size to his advantage pushing matchups out of the paint, thriving in pick-and-roll coverage and only allowing his opponents to convert at a 45 percent clip at the rim.
Ware heading to Bloomington instead of the 2023 NBA Draft ended up being the right call for him, as he solidified his first-round status, improved his game and could even hear his name called in the Lottery. Teams can use him to beef up their roster without forfeiting a modern style of offense.
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