The Miami Heat’s red-hot start to the 2025-26 season has cooled considerably, and Thursday night’s 119-114 loss to the Boston Celtics marked their 20th defeat in just 41 games. That’s a .500 record for a team that looked like a potential Eastern Conference contender just weeks ago. And while there are a few reasons for the slide, one storyline that’s hard to ignore is the recent dip in play from second-year big man Kel’el Ware.
Ware, who earlier this season showed flashes of being a legitimate frontcourt force, hit a low point against Boston. He logged just nine minutes-all in the first half-and finished with three points and a single rebound.
That’s a far cry from the double-double machine he looked like in spurts earlier in the year. And it’s clear that head coach Erik Spoelstra has taken notice.
Spoelstra didn’t mince words postgame when asked about Ware’s limited role, saying, “He’s stacking days in the wrong direction now.” That’s a pointed comment from a coach who’s known for being both demanding and fiercely loyal to players who put in the work. Translation: the effort hasn’t been consistent, and in a league where every possession matters, that’s a problem.
This isn’t about Spoelstra giving up on Ware-far from it. When Ware was crashing the glass, altering shots, and showing a soft touch around the rim, Spoelstra was clearly encouraged.
But the NBA doesn’t wait for young players to figure it out. Ware is just 21, still learning the nuances of the pro game, but if the motor isn’t running hot every night, especially on a team trying to stay afloat in the East, minutes are going to dry up fast.
And it’s not just about stats. Spoelstra’s decision to sit Ware for the entire second half wasn’t necessarily a punishment-it was a tactical adjustment.
Erik Spoelstra would speak on not playing Kel’el Ware a single minute in the second half, credits matchup and speaks on wanting him to be where he was 7, 8 weeks ago where he was stacking good days.
— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) January 16, 2026
Says it’s going the other way. #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/EKrdXYf09o
The Celtics present matchup problems, and Spoelstra leaned into lineups that gave Miami a better shot at staying competitive. But the message was clear: if Ware wants to be part of those adjustments, he has to bring more to the table.
The Heat are also navigating the return of Tyler Herro, who’s back in the lineup after missing time earlier in the season. While Herro’s offensive firepower is a welcome addition, his return has coincided with some inconsistency in the rotation. That’s not a knock on Herro, but it does mean that roles are shifting, and players like Ware need to find ways to assert themselves in a more crowded and competitive environment.
For Miami, the hope is that this stretch becomes a turning point, not a trend. Ware has the tools-length, touch, athleticism-but the next step is mental.
The Heat have built their identity on effort and accountability, and Spoelstra’s message to Ware is less about punishment and more about expectation. If the young big can respond, there’s still plenty of season left to make an impact.
But right now, the Heat need more. And they need it fast.