The Miami Heat may have come up short in Boston on Friday night, falling 129-116 to the Celtics, but the box score told a deeper story-one filled with promise, especially from a pair of young players who are starting to carve out their roles in South Beach.
All eyes were on rookie Kasparas Jakucionis in his first career start, and he didn’t disappoint. But it was Kel’el Ware who stole the spotlight with another eye-opening performance. The 7-foot center is starting to look less like a project and more like a player with real two-way potential-and he’s doing it in ways that are turning heads across the league.
Ware followed up a 22-point, 11-rebound game against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday with a 24-point, 15-rebound showing in Boston. That’s 46 points and 26 boards across two nights, both starts, and both showcasing a young big man who’s playing with growing confidence.
But it wasn’t just the scoring and rebounding that stood out-it was the shooting. Specifically, the long-range shooting.
Ware went 6-of-7 from beyond the arc against the Celtics. Yes, you read that right-six threes from a 7-footer.
That’s not just a career high; that’s rare air for a center, and it’s the kind of performance that forces coaching staffs to rethink what’s possible. But while the Heat are thrilled with his development, head coach Erik Spoelstra isn’t ready to let Ware turn into a stretch-five just yet.
“I don’t want him hunting for the three,” Spoelstra said when asked if he’d like to see Ware shoot more from deep. “I like him head under the rim. But when it’s a paint-touch spray and it’s a good quality look, I think he’s gaining confidence, and I want to be open to that.”
Coach Spo on Kel'el Ware shooting 3s
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) December 20, 2025
"I watch him work so I see him knock down shots. I dont want him hunting from 3 because I like him head under the rim but when its a paint touch spray and a good quailty look I want to be open to that" https://t.co/yvlh9geHqc pic.twitter.com/714MoHaWV4
Spoelstra’s message is clear: play within the flow, take the right shots, and keep doing the dirty work inside. And to Ware’s credit, he’s not getting carried away with his newfound range.
“I’m just getting more comfortable out there,” Ware said. “Playing through the game, playing through the flow.”
Kelel Ware responds to Coach Spo comments about his 3s
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) December 20, 2025
“I felt like I was in a rhythm so i was comfortable letting them go. I mean most of my game is up under the basket so whenever I do step out I don’t feel like it’s ever a wrong time” https://t.co/X2pz9ZUBPT pic.twitter.com/ESP09dMX4O
That comfort is showing up in the numbers. Ware is currently hitting 45.6% from three-point range-a number that puts him eighth in the NBA among players with at least 60 attempts.
That’s not just good for a center-that’s elite, period. And it’s a testament to the work he’s been putting in behind the scenes.
Still, Ware knows where his bread is buttered. Four blocks against the Celtics reminded everyone that his defensive presence is still his calling card.
He’s anchoring the paint, rebounding at a high level, and now adding a reliable three-point shot to his arsenal. That’s the kind of versatility teams dream about in a modern big.
“I mean, most of my game is up under the basket,” Ware said. “So whenever I do step out, I don’t feel like it’s ever a wrong time.”
That kind of poise and self-awareness is rare in a 22-year-old rookie. And while there’s always going to be chatter about potential trades-especially when you’re a young player on a team that’s never shy about chasing stars-Ware is making a strong case to be part of the Heat’s long-term core.
With another big test coming Sunday against the New York Knicks, Ware has a chance to keep building momentum. If he continues to blend rim protection, glass work, and a touch from deep, Miami might have found themselves a gem in the 2024 first round.