What can Kel’el Ware do to gain playing time over Thomas Bryant?

Despite speculation about Miami Heat rookie Kel’el Ware starting or serving as Bam Adebayo’s backup, preseason showed he will begin the year as a fourth-line center behind Thomas Bryant and Kevin Love.

Ware averaged 8.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks on 45.9 percent shooting from the field and 18.2 percent from three-point range in five games. Meanwhile, Bryant averaged 5.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 0.6 steals and 0.2 blocks on 52.2 percent shooting from the field and 10 percent from three-point range.

On the surface, Ware seems like the better option. However, looking like a more experienced player doesn’t mean you’ll get more playing time. Ware lacks experience and doesn’t move in the paint as well as Bryant. When battling for positioning in the post, it is much easier for Bryant to use his weight to gain leverage than it is for Ware.

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Ware has gained at least 10 pounds of muscle since being drafted. That means he can use his rookie campaign to continue gaining weight and reach the size the Heat want from him. Miami approached Nikola Jovic with a similar plan in his rookie season.

Aside from filling in for an injured player, Ware can gain more playing time by being more aggressive on offense. With a 7-foot frame and his size as the Heat’s tallest, creating additional opportunities for the team’s offense is essential.

Bryan Townes contributes to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at [email protected] or on X @bryantownesjr11. Follow our reporting on Facebook.