Kel'el Ware
Getty
Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware has been named to the NBA Rising Stars game in Los Angeles.
Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware has been selected as a 2026 NBA Rising Star and will play in the NBA Rising Star game on February 13 during All-Star Weekend.
The annual event features NBA rookies, second-year players and G League players in a tournament featuring four teams. The event will be held at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
This is Ware’s first career Rising Stars game after missing the event last season, despite being named NBA All-Rookie Second Team. He is the only Heat player who will be featured in the event.
The second-year center from Indiana is averaging 11.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game. He’s also shooting 41.5% from three-point range this season.
He has missed four straight games after injuring his hamstring against the Golden State Warriors on January 19. He was sent back to Miami in the middle of the Heat’s five-game road trip to undergo treatment.
The Heat return on Wednesday, January 28, against the Orlando Magic. Ware may play after receiving treatment.
Miami Heat Has Seen Kel’el Ware Shine and go Through Slumps
Kel'el Ware
GettyMiami Heat’s Kel’el Ware has had an inconsistent season, thriving in some moments while struggling in others.
It’s not a surprise that Kel’el Ware was named to the Rising Stars game, considering his stats have increased from last season.
However, that doesn’t mean this season has been smooth sailing for Ware, as his role in the Heat’s rotation has been inconsistent.
Ware has started in 27 games for the Heat this year, with the team going 16-11 when he starts and 9-11 when he doesn’t. On the other hand, his plus/minus is by far the lowest on the team at -102. The second-lowest player is guard Tyler Herro at -37.
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra commented on Ware’s inconsistent play earlier in the season, believing that the center needs to play “impactful basketball.”
“I get it with some young players,” Spoelstra said. “You sometimes subconsciously play poorly to say, ‘Hey, I’ll play poorly until you play me the minutes I think I deserve. Then I’ll play well.’ That’s not how it works.”
Ware responded, saying, “I’ve learned to control what I can control.” Spoelstra later walked back his comments.
For Ware, he’s considered one of the most talented young centers in the NBA. His success depends on whether he can combine his talent with making what Spoelstea considers winning plays.