Kel’el Ware is staring at the kind of opening that can shift the conversation around him.
With Myles Turner sidelined for rest and Tyler Herro still questionable because of a right knee contusion, the Milwaukee Bucks are heading into Wednesday night’s matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers short-handed and in need of production from the center spot. That puts Ware in position to start and, just as important, to show he can turn a rough stretch into something more encouraging.
The timing matters because Turner’s season has been shaky. In about 27 minutes per game, he’s averaging 6.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks while shooting 32.9% from the field and 25.5% from deep.
The last three games have been even uglier: 2 points, 5 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 2 turnovers per game on 2-for-22 shooting and 1-for-13 from 3-point range. So even though the official reason is rest, the Bucks are moving forward without him.
That creates a real chance for Ware, who has his own work to do. He opened the season well enough, scoring in double figures in four of the first six games and posting three double-doubles in that span.
But the last four games have dragged him backward. Over that stretch, he’s averaged 3.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks while shooting 6-for-27 from the field and 0-for-7 from 3-point range.
His role has also been inconsistent. Ware’s minutes have bounced around, and there have been moments when head coach Taylor Jenkins has pulled him quickly after an offensive rebound allowed, a foul, or an easy basket in the paint.
One sequence summed it up: “Kel’el Ware just got yanked one minute and one second after he last checked in toward the end of the second quarter. Fouled Towns on a drive and that was that, with Taylor Jenkins talking him through something on the sideline on his way out.”
Still, the Bucks need him now. If Herro can’t play, Milwaukee will be leaning harder on Ware at center, and backup Jericho Sims doesn’t bring the same offensive versatility.
Ware does have tools that matter here, especially his ability to stretch the floor. He shot 39.5% from 3-point range last season with the Miami Heat, and his defensive value comes largely from shot blocking.
The early-season talk around Ware has been heavy, with plenty of people calling his start disappointing. Wednesday gives the 22-year-old a clean shot to answer that noise and maybe carve out a bigger role going forward, especially with Turner coming off a brutal run of his own.
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There was at least some immediate relief after the final buzzer, with head coach JJ Redick easing concern around Reaves injury. Doncic also downplayed his ankle issue afterward, which should help calm nerves heading into a few days off. The Lakers now have three days before they meet the Suns, giving the team a little breathing room before the next test and a chance to see how both players respond. [Read more 🡒]