Kel’el Ware, the promising young center for the Miami Heat, has recently expressed his gratitude for being deemed “off-limits” in trade discussions involving 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant. This move by the Heat not only signifies their confidence in Ware but also sets the stage for his development as he prepares for the upcoming summer league. With Durant eventually traded to the Houston Rockets, Ware is eager to prove that the Heat made the right choice in keeping him.
Reflecting on the situation, Ware stated, “It made me feel the Heat wanted me and they want to see how far I can get in the future and see how my development goes.” This sentiment highlights Ware’s determination to repay the organization’s faith in him. He is committed to showcasing his potential and solidifying his place within the team during the summer league.
As he gears up for this crucial opportunity, Ware is focused on demonstrating that the Heat’s decision not to include him in the Durant discussions was a wise one. “They see the potential in me and they see what I can be,” he noted. “So my main goal is to just sort of repay that they didn’t make a mistake.”
While trade rumors swirled around the league, Ware tried to remain unfazed. “I didn’t really see too much of it,” he explained. “It was one of those things where I thought, if it happens, it happens. If not, it doesn’t. You got to think the Heat didn’t want to give me up, but that means the other team wanted me. I didn’t really pay no mind to it.”
The context surrounding Durant’s trade is significant. The Phoenix Suns, who were initially in talks with the Heat, ultimately opted to send Durant to Houston. Despite the chaos, Ware’s situation remained stable, allowing him to focus on his growth and readiness for the next season.
In the midst of the trade discussions, the Heat’s coaching staff has been vocal about Ware’s potential. Eric Glass, the assistant coach and summer league head coach, emphasized the importance of this upcoming period for Ware. “The best way to sum up Kel’el is I’m looking for him to put everybody on notice that he’s here and he’s for real in this league,” he said. Glass highlighted that while there are specific areas for improvement, the primary goal is for Ware to dominate games and practices.
Moreover, Alonzo Mourning, a Heat legend, has also taken an active interest in Ware’s development. In their first conversation after the Heat selected him with the 15th overall pick in last year’s draft, Mourning encouraged Ware by saying, “You have the potential to be one of the greatest players in Miami Heat franchise history. You have that potential. But you got to put in the work.” This conversation set the tone for Ware’s journey with the team, and he has made significant strides since then.
As the summer league approaches, all eyes will be on Ware to see if he can translate the confidence the Heat have shown in him into on-court performance. He is not just playing for himself but also for the organization that believes in his potential. The upcoming games will be a critical test for Ware, as he aims to establish himself as a key player in the Heat’s future.
The Miami Heat have a rich history of developing talent, and Ware could be the next in line to make a significant impact. With his work ethic and the backing of the coaching staff, he has the opportunity to become a cornerstone of the franchise. As fans eagerly await the summer league, the narrative surrounding Ware will be one of the most compelling storylines to follow.
In conclusion, Kel’el Ware’s journey with the Miami Heat is just beginning, and the organization’s decision to keep him out of trade talks involving Kevin Durant speaks volumes about their belief in his potential. As he prepares to showcase his skills in the summer league, Ware is determined to prove that he is ready to take on the challenges of the NBA and become a vital part of the Heat’s success in the years to come. For NBA fans, this is a storyline worth watching as the new season approaches.