With his 15th pick in the 2024 Draft, betting on Kel'el Warethe Heat has clearly not missed its shot. It is even, until now, a real success. Indeed, in six matches in Las Vegas, the pivot has compiled 18 points (61% shooting success), 8.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks on average.
In addition to his excellent statistics, he won the Summer League with the Heat and was elected to the competition's starting five. It's hard to imagine a better summer. “It was my first summer league, so to be a part of it with the guys and win is definitely a great feeling.”, said Kel'el Ware.
He imagines himself alongside Bam Adebayo
In eight Summer League games, between the California Classic and in Las Vegas, the pivot (2m13) achieved five “double-doubles”. Dominating on the rebound was his main objective, according to his coach, during this first summer in the world of the NBA.
“We challenged him every day to take the most rebounds and he loves it.”explains Dan Bisaccio. “We told him he couldn't finish with less than 10 rebounds. We needed him to go to the rebound, to protect the rim. He is determined in this area, he accepted this challenge and we will continue to insist on this point. Until he retires.”
Such performances have allowed the player to gain confidence – “I have more in myself”he confides – and he should quickly establish himself as Bam Adebayo's understudy, providing a defensive wall for the Heat.
“Bam and I can play together because we complement each other,” Kel'el Ware goes even further. “His position is power forward, and I'm a center. So I can protect the rim and do what I know how to do.”
