MIAMI – As the Miami Heat strive to improve their rebounding performance this season, rookie Kel’el Ware is emerging as a key figure, drawing valuable insights from franchise legend Udonis Haslem. Following a tough loss to the New York Knicks, Haslem reached out to Ware, sharing advice on how to enhance his rebounding skills, particularly in the offensive zone.
During the Amazon Prime broadcast of the game, Haslem emphasized the importance of studying his matchup against Mitchell Robinson to understand effective rebounding techniques. Ware, despite having a mixed start to his second season—averaging 10.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 52.4 percent from the field—remains a promising asset for the Heat. His conversations with Haslem have further motivated him, describing the veteran as someone he deeply respects who possesses a wealth of knowledge in rebounding, being the franchise’s all-time leading rebounder.
“I appreciate having people in my corner, especially UD,” Ware remarked in an exclusive interview with ClutchPoints. “After every game, he texts me, and I really take in what he has to say to get better.”
Head coach Erik Spoelstra has echoed these sentiments, acknowledging Haslem’s significant role as a mentor for the younger players. Spoelstra pointed out that Ware is putting in the work to elevate his game, referring to his progress as “stacking good days.” This process of continuous improvement is pivotal for a young talent like Ware, who showcases athleticism and a solid skill set.
Bam Adebayo highlighted the selflessness of Haslem, who, even while busy with his own commitments, takes the time to guide the team. “You respect somebody that’s so selfless,” Adebayo said, emphasizing Haslem’s dedication to impacting the team’s culture positively.
Miami’s focus on enhancing their rebounding is timely, as they have struggled with the highest average of second-chance points allowed in the league at 20.1, along with the third-worst defensive rebounding percentage at 66.1 percent. The Heat recognize that addressing these areas will necessitate a collective effort, helping young players like Ware learn from their experiences to unlock their full potential.
Ware remains optimistic about the future, acknowledging that while the past games have provided lessons, the focus must remain on upcoming challenges. “We want to win every game,” he stated. “You have to leave the past in the past and concentrate on what’s next.”
As the season progresses, Ware’s growth, combined with the mentorship from Haslem and the continued support of his teammates, may very well contribute to a turnaround for the Heat in the rebounding department, setting a hopeful tone for the future.