Miami Heat’s Kel’el Ware, though not a politician, is actively advocating for his role on the team. On Friday, Ware expressed his desire to play alongside Bam Adebayo this season, which would require Adebayo to shift from center to power forward.
While the Heat haven’t made any official moves yet, Ware prefers to play with Adebayo rather than as his replacement. After the Heat secured the summer league championship, Adebayo reached out to Ware, and the two have since developed a connection.
Ware believes that he and Adebayo could work well together, with Ware taking on the center role to protect the paint while Adebayo plays the power forward. “Bam and I complement each other well,” Ware said. “His position is really the four, so me as the five can handle the paint and do what I do best.”
Speaking at a Heat youth camp, Ware hopes that coach Erik Spoelstra will consider his request. After a standout performance in the Las Vegas summer league, where he averaged 18 points, 8.3 rebounds, one steal, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 61.8% from three-point range, Ware feels more confident in his game. He was also named to the All-Summer League First Team.
“Having more confidence in myself to play basketball the way I’ve always known how and just going out there and competing,” Ware said of his recent experience.