Heat’s Rising Stars: Jahmir Young and Kel’el Ware Make Their Marks on All-Star Weekend
The Rising Stars game once again stole the spotlight on the opening night of All-Star Weekend in Inglewood, California - and for the Miami Heat, it was a chance to get a glimpse of the future. Two young Heat players, big man Kel’el Ware and guard Jahmir Young, suited up in the four-team tournament, giving fans and coaches alike a taste of their potential on a national stage.
Let’s break down how each of them performed.
Jahmir Young: A Short Stint, But a Well-Earned Spotlight
Jahmir Young wasn’t originally slated to appear in the Rising Stars showcase, but he got the nod after a string of injuries opened the door. First, David Jones Garcia of the Spurs was ruled out for the season, and then Mac McClung - who had been tapped as a replacement - was sidelined with a calf injury. That’s when Young got the call, and even though his time on the court was limited, it was a well-deserved moment for the Heat’s two-way guard.
Young logged just six minutes for Team Austin, the fewest of any player on the roster, but he made the most of them. He finished with three points and a steal, going 1-for-4 from the field and 1-for-3 from deep. His lone bucket was a smooth corner three off a kick-out pass from Ron Harper Jr., a shot that showcased the kind of catch-and-shoot ability that could keep him in NBA rotations down the line.
While the box score won’t turn heads, Young’s presence in the game speaks volumes about his development. He’s only played 44 minutes across eight games for Miami this season, but in the G League, he’s been electric - averaging 26.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 9.0 assists, and 1.9 steals on 58.3% true shooting. That production has clearly caught the attention of the right people.
Kel’el Ware: Flashing Two-Way Potential
For Kel’el Ware, the Rising Stars game was an opportunity to show why there’s been growing buzz around his role with the Heat. Ware suited up for Team T-Mac and saw solid playing time, logging just over 10 minutes - tied for third-most on his squad - and finishing with seven points and three rebounds on 3-of-7 shooting.
Ware’s impact came in a variety of ways. He threw down two lobs - each the result of smart reads and timely rolls - and knocked down a confident above-the-break three.
The first lob came after he set an angled pin-down for Cavaliers guard Jaylon Tyson. Tyson, who led the team with 10 points, drew attention on the drive, and Ware capitalized with a delayed but effective roll to the rim for the finish.
His second dunk came out of a well-executed Spain pick-and-roll - a set that’s become a staple across the league. Ware was the initial screener, with Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel setting the back screen. A defensive misstep by Pelicans rookie Derik Queen left Ware wide open, and he didn’t miss.
But the shot that might’ve raised the most eyebrows was his three-pointer. Ware stepped into a spot-up look above the arc and drilled it with confidence.
That’s not something we saw much of from him as a rookie, but this season, he’s taken a leap in that department. He’s now shooting 40.3% from deep on nearly three attempts per game - a significant development for a 7-footer.
The Heat have been tinkering with Ware’s role in recent weeks, and performances like this only add fuel to the conversation. With his blend of rim protection, vertical spacing, and emerging floor-stretching ability, Ware is starting to look like a modern big Miami can build around.
What’s Next for the Heat’s Young Core?
While the Rising Stars event is more about showcasing talent than determining rotations, both Young and Ware made statements in their own ways. Young showed he belongs in the conversation, even if his NBA minutes have been limited.
Ware? He looked like a player ready for more responsibility - and maybe more minutes - in Miami’s frontcourt.
The All-Star festivities are just getting started, and the Heat will have more faces in the spotlight as the weekend rolls on. But for now, it’s clear: Miami’s young guns are worth keeping an eye on.