Miami Heat X-Factor For The 2025-26 Season - Kel'el Ware

The Miami Heat are in the first full year of their retooling process following the five-team trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Andrew Wiggins. One of the pieces that has come from that retooling effort is second-year center Kel’el Ware, who could help the Heat remain relevant in the Eastern Conference standings.

Showing promise during his rookie season, averaging 9.3 points and 7.4 rebounds during his 64-game campaign, Ware earned a starting role alongside Bam Adebayo midway through the schedule. Playing alongside one of the league’s top two-way big men provided valuable experience for the young center in terms of his development. With a modern-day version of a twin-tower lineup, the Heat benefited from Adebayo’s defensive versatility and playmaking, as well as Ware’s youthful offensive energy and shot-blocking abilities, causing matchup issues on both ends of the court.

With Tyler Herro as the team’s primary offensive source, Ware’s continued development is critical to the team’s success. The 7-footer’s ability to finish around and above the rim, as well as run the floor and operate the pick-and-roll, gives Herro and coach Erik Spoelstra another reliable scoring option. A 31% three-point shooter on just 1.7 attempts per game last season should see a bump this year, which will require defenses to remain honest should he step out to the perimeter.

What makes Ware an X-factor for the Heat is his untapped potential. Still scratching the surface of what he is capable of, as evidenced by his seven double-digit rebounding games during a nine-game stretch last season, or his three straight 20-plus-point outings. With his combination of size and athleticism, combined with his increasing basketball IQ, if Ware can provide the Heat with a double-double effort on a nightly basis while maintaining his defensive efficiency alongside Adebayo, the Heat could possess one of the most dangerous frontcourt pairings in the Eastern Conference. For a franchise known for developing overlooked talent, Ware’s development this season could be the difference between the Heat making the playoffs or watching the postseason from the sidelines.