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Could Miami Heat's Kel'el Ware Challenge Donovan Clingan As Top Big Man In Rookie Class?

Kel'el Ware showed his stuff on both ends of the floor. Whether it's a defensive rebound, or a drive through the paint, one national NBA writer believes Ware was the best big man in Las Vegas.
Scott Salomon|
Jul 22, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware (7) fights for the rebound against Memphis Grizzlies center Trey Jemison (55) during the second half at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 22, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware (7) fights for the rebound against Memphis Grizzlies center Trey Jemison (55) during the second half at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports | Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

According to a national NBA writer, Kel'el Ware had himself a pretty decent summer.

"Ware was the best rookie big man in Vegas," said NBA writer John Hollinger of The Athletic. "In an underwhelming crop, he was probably the best big man, period."

Hollinger was impressed with Ware's offense, especially his short to mid-range game.

"He averaged 18 points a game while making nearly two-thirds of his 2s and drawing fouls at a high rate, showing a variety of finishing skills around the rim," Hollinger said. "Ware showed only brief flashes of his inside-outside game, making three 3s in six contests, but despite his thin frame, he was able to succeed at the traditional big guy things (17.2 percent rebound rate) without inordinate fouling."

The defensive game still needs work, according to Hollinger.

"Ware still has some work to do on the defensive end, but if he’s going to be this productive on offense, he’s playable while he takes his lumps on D," Hollinger said. "With Ware’s Vegas success, the Heat likely can go into next season more confident that he can fill the backup center minutes behind Bam Adebayo and develop further from there."

Hollinger also made a comment about second-year Heat player Jaime Jaquez, Jr.

He said "a few other guys showed up, but were clearly too good to be there".

Jaquez, Jr. was included in that grouping along with Cam Whitmore of the Houston Rockets and Brandon Miller of the Charlotte Hornets.

Scott Salomon is a contributor to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at sas@southfloridamedianetwork.com.

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Scott Salomon
SCOTT SALOMON

Scott Salomon joined On SI in April 2024, covering breaking news and analysis for various On SI channels. Scott covers the NFL, College Football, MLB, and the WNBA. Scott has been covering local and national sports for over 35 years. Scott graduated from the University of Miami School of Communication and the St. Thomas University School of Law. Scott is also a member of the PFWA and the FWAA. Follow Scott Salomon on X @ScottSalomonNFL.