Why an overlooked rookie will spark a Heat resurgence this season

The 2024 version of the Miami Heat will look a lot like last year's team but with a notable difference. While they were limited in terms of making moves this summer, they have seemingly gotten a key player through the NBA Draft.

Kel'el Ware was taken 17th overall, and his play thus far in Summer League and the preseason suggests that he may be another major steal for the Heat. In fact, he has already drawn comparisons to a steal in last year's draft but even better.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst favorably compared Ware to Dallas Mavericks center Derrick Lively II, with Ware showing potential to emerge as a 3-point shooter. Lively II quickly became a starter for the Mavericks, though Ware may not immediately start for the Heat just yet.

Kel'el Ware could be a huge long-term get for the Miami Heat.

With the Heat likely to start Nikola Jovic at power forward next to All-Star Bam Adebayo, Ware may only be able to carve out a backup role this season. Be that as it may, if he is able to live up to his potential as a stretch big man.

One who can effortlessly swat shots, catch lobs, and knock down threes, then he'd make for an excellent frontcourt mate with Adebayo. Especially with Adebayo working on expanding his game by stepping out and attempting more threes this season, which he has shown in the preseason.

Nowadays, playing two big men together in the NBA is harder than it once was with the increased reliance on spacing and 3-point shooting in offenses. That being said, if Adebayo and Ware can both become effective three-point shooters, then that makes for an exciting and potentially successful power forward and center pairing for the Heat going forward.

The same goes for the defensive end, where he has shown a knack for swatting shots and being able to move his feet out on the perimeter. Eventually pairing him with Adebayo, who is already among the most versatile defenders in the NBA, Miami could reap the benefits of that tag team for years to come.

That may not help them as much in the short term, with the Heat likely to play him at backup center next to either Kevin Love or Haywood Highsmith. Nevertheless, the Heat may have found a diamond in the rough in Ware and he could quickly make it impossible to keep him out of the starting five.