Following the game against the New York Knicks, the odds appear to be in Kel’el Ware’s favor in regards to becoming a member of the Miami Heat’s starting lineup on a full-time basis. In a rather aggressive display at Madison Square Garden, Ware started at center to tally 28 points and 19 rebounds on 11-15 shooting from the floor, complemented by his 5-7 sharpshooting from three-point range. This gave him the historic milestone of becoming the first member of the Miami Heat to post such numbers in a single outing, as they fell to the Knicks by a final score of 132-125. In addition to that, he has become just the eighth member in NBA history to achieve such a feat. There's no question that Ware possesses the speed in development to become something much bigger in this organization.
In need of a lineup change
This has naturally led to questions as to whether Ware should still be considered for the start of the team even as the Heat regains its strength. It appears as if the recent performance from Ware is leading him down the road to becoming a force to be reckoned with at the front of the lineup, as he can offer both scoring prowess and rebounding skills that have yet to be found within the team’s lineup at times. Despite needing to work on their defense and figuring out their offense, the electrifying performance from Ware against the Knicks has done little to prevent an argument from being built for starters' minutes. Even if he comes off the bench due to the return of injured players, his minutes should increase nonetheless.
Looking forward, the decision to retain Ware within the starting lineup may end up giving Miami an identity that will benefit the team when its own offense or defense is inconsistent at times. Ware’s potential to stretch the floor and rebound at such a talented rate will give the Heat the flexibility that Miami sorely needs within the East. If Ware maintains his current streak of play, Spoelsta will have no problem embracing him as one of the key pillars to form his Miami roster. Ware’s development within Miami is beyond question, as his last game effort only strengthens his improvement as one of Miami’s core players.