Kel'el Ware #7 and Dru Smith #12 of the Miami Heat compete for a rebound against Andre Drummond #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 23, 2025 in Philadelphia. Isaiah Vazquez Getty Images
After grabbing double-digit rebounds for the eighth game in a row and posting his sixth double-double stat line during that eight-game span, Miami Heat second-year center Kel’el Ware was asked after Sunday afternoon’s road win against the Philadelphia 76ers if he feels like he’s playing the best basketball of his NBA career.
Before Ware could begin his answer, Heat veteran guard Norman Powell chimed in from the other side of the locker room at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
“No. More to come,” Powell shouted. “A lot more potential, man. Stock rising.”
Ware, 21, could only smile and agree with Powell’s message.
“What he said,” said Ware, who was taken by the Heat with the 15th overall pick in last year’s draft. “I’m pretty sure y’all got that. So, yeah.”
Ware’s stock is definitely rising as he enters Monday night’s matchup against the Dallas Mavericks at Kaseya Center averaging 14.5 points, 14.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 56% from the field and 5 of 13 (38.5%) from three-point range during his past eight games.
That’s a significant improvement from the first eight games of the season, when Ware averaged 10.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, one steal and 0.9 blocks per game.
“He’s being much more intentional,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said when asked about Ware’s recent play. “It doesn’t have to be perfect basketball. Nobody plays perfect basketball. But the intentions have to be there, attention to detail. He’s rebounding. He’s making his presence felt with his size.
“He’s stacking up good day after good day. And the important thing about these games, he’s feeling the importance of the games. He’s playing meaningful minutes. He understands the responsibility to play well. And he’s recognizing if it doesn’t go well, what he needs to correct. That’s a big-time improvement from last year, where he wasn’t really recognizing what was happening.”
Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware (7) looks on in the first half of his NBA game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Kaseya Center on Nov. 12, 2025, in Miami. Photo by Matias J. Ocner mocner@miamiherald.com
The uptick in rebounding has been especially noticeable, as he came away with a career-high eight offensive rebounds in Sunday’s win against the 76ers.
With the help of this recent stretch, Ware has been among the NBA’s best rebounders this season. Among the 320 players who have played in at least 10 games, Ware entered Monday averaging the second-most rebounds per 36 minutes in the league this season at 15.6 behind only 76ers center Andre Drummond (15.7).
“It’s something that we’ve been needing,” Ware said of his improved rebounding. “Honestly, the refs let you play down there. It took me a little while to actually figure it out. But now I know you can go get them.”
Ware has been getting a lot of them on the offensive glass, as he’s averaging five offensive rebounds per game during this eight-game surge. For perspective, Ware grabbed five or more offensive rebounds in just four games as a rookie last season.
“That’s his talent,” Powell said of Ware’s rebounding. “That’s what he can do. That’s his impact on the game. ... He’s going to be a big piece of what we’re trying to do here. The sky is the limit of what he can do. It’s all about his energy and effort and his mental approach to the game. And I think he’s done a great job of being in different roles and not letting it affect his performance or what he has to do out there.”
But the Heat continues to push Ware to be better, as Spoelstra has publicly challenged Ware’s professionalism and play multiple times in recent months. Teammates have also implored Ware to be better, understanding his intriguing potential as an athletic 7-footer with a 7-foot-5 wingspan and the ability to knock down threes.
Ware entered Monday averaging a double-double of 12 points and 10.6 rebounds per game through the first 17 games of his second NBA season. The only players in franchise history who have averaged a double-double for an entire season while with the Heat are Bam Adebayo, Brian Grant, Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O’Neal, Rony Seikaly and Hassan Whiteside.
“I’m proud of him just because he’s got a lot going on,” said Adebayo, who is currently the Heat’s captain. “He’s got Spo yelling at him, coaching staff, teammates. Obviously, then he has his own people in his ear. Just being able to watch him grow through it. Now, I feel like he gets it.”
Whether Ware remains a Heat starter or returns to a bench role when others return from injury, the hope is this eye-opening stretch is a sign of things to come and not just a blip in the middle of a long season.
“He’s just playing with so much more force than he was a year ago at this time,” Spoelstra said. “He’s gaining confidence. I want to be open-minded. I don’t want to put a ceiling on him.”
RUN WITH SPOELSTRA
Registration is open for the second annual Coach Spo’s 5K benefitting Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and the Miami Heat Charitable Fund.
The 5K run/walk is on Dec. 7 at 7:30 a.m., with current pricing at $45 for the 5K and $10 for the Kids Dash.
“This unique 5K Run/Walk event welcomes everyone — from avid athletes to casual runners and loyal Heat fans. Let’s come together once again to promote health, teamwork and community spirit,” according to the event’s description.
The event begins and ends at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, which is located at 3100 SW 62nd Ave. in Miami.
Details, including how to volunteer, can be found at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Miami/CoachSpo5K.