Speaking with Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller on their podcast, the “OGs Show,” Miami Heat rookie Kel’el Ware set some ambitious goals for his first NBA season.
While Ware showcased his talent as one of the standout rookies during the Heat’s run to summer league champions, his exact role for the start of the 2024-25 season remains uncertain. Various factors, such as his development in the coming months, will play a significant role despite his strong performance in Las Vegas.
That uncertainty didn’t stop Ware from listing his three goals for his rookie season while speaking with Haslem and Miller from Vegas. They were:
Among Kel’el Ware’s goals for his rookie season: Competing for a spot on the NBA’s All-Defensive team.
- Be in the Rising Stars game
- Be in the Rookie of the Year race
- Be on the All-Defensive Team
Haslem offered another goal for the 7-footer.
“I want you to average a rebound every three minutes,” Haslem told Ware. “If you average a rebound every three minutes, that’s above average. If you average a rebound every three minutes, in a 48-minute game, that’s about 15 rebounds. That’s the mindset. That’s the motor you have to have.”
Haslem would likely desire that same mindset to carry over into the regular season. Ware managed to average 8.4 rebounds in 26.7 minutes over eight summer league games, which translates to approximately 15.1 per 48 minutes.
The 7-footer recorded five double-doubles, with one notable performance being a 21-point, 10-rebound game that included four offensive rebounds in a 120-118 overtime victory against Memphis in Monday’s championship game, where he played for 32 minutes.
Miami, along with the Denver Nuggets, is one of the two teams that have never had a Rookie of the Year recipient in their history. Jaime Jaquez Jr. finished fourth in the ROY voting last season, while Kendrick Nunn came in second (behind Ja Morant) in 2019-20, and Justise Winslow placed sixth in 2015-16.
It is inspiring to hear about Ware’s aspirations, no matter how ambitious. Meeting this goal would require him to participate in 65 games and receive sufficient playing time to be considered for the honor.
Ware’s willingness to challenge himself in this manner indicates that he possesses the right mindset to put in the necessary effort to achieve his goals. If he can excel defensively, especially at an above-average or All-Defensive level, as a rookie, his chances of playing will increase.
Challenged by Bam
Ware excelled in summer league when facing opponents of his caliber, but was quickly brought back down to earth by a fellow teammate.
Bam Adebayo, in Las Vegas ahead of his trip to the Paris Games, promptly challenged Ware to a one-on-one matchup.
“Me and Bam played ones, I think my first workout there.” Ware said. “It was good, we played four spots. I won one, he won three, but it was supposed to be 2-2, but I jumped on a pump fake.”
Haslem proceeded to discuss the Heat’s principle of “iron sharpens iron.” He recounted the experiences of engaging in 1-on-1 matchups with players such as Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Joe Johnson. Subsequently, he alluded to the recent occasion when he competed against Adebayo.
Ware aims to establish himself as a valuable asset for team president Pat Riley in the NBA Draft. After winning the summer league championship, Ware is eager to support Adebayo and the Heat in his debut season. His impressive performance of 21 points and 10 rebounds on 80% shooting in the recent title game highlights his potential impact.
