Miami Heat big man Kel'el Ware honored to be part of NBA All-Star Weekend as a sophomore

After a promising rookie year with the Miami Heat, Kel'el Ware has had a bit of a quiet sophomore season. He is still one of the most talented youngsters in the league, but he has not been playing as often as most people would expect from a talent like him.

Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra has had a rocky dynamic with Ware this season, as the big man has barely played over 15 minutes in recent weeks. He had some big games here and there, but it has led to some awkward moments between the head coach and his young big man.

Ware loved being present during All-Star Weekend

Throughout his two seasons with the Heat, it is clear that Ware is an ambitious player. Amid all the issues he's had in his second season with his minutes, he has been upfront with his desire to play. However, he does accept that the coaching staff has reasons behind their decisions.

Ware was part of the Rising Stars Game, and he loved being part of the festivities. In the future, he could be part of other parts of the weekend, including the All-Star Game. Talent-wise, Ware can be part of that, but he needs to keep earning his way into the Heat rotation.

MORE: Erik Spoelstra liked what he saw from the combination of Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware

All-Star Weekend was an opportunity that Ware had been waiting for because he showcased himself to a wider audience. That was why the Rising Stars Game stood out to Ware.

"It's just playing this game. It shows that being noticed around the league, being seen. Going out here and having fun, embracing the moment, and just enjoy," Ware said to SiriusXM NBA Radio during his time at All-Star Weekend.

Spoelstra will have the final say when it comes to playing Ware more minutes. Thankfully, before the All-Star break, he had two games wherein he played 28 minutes against the New Orleans Pelicans and 30 minutes against the Washington Wizards.

Those were promising minutes for Ware, which he could bring into the second half of the 2025-26 season. He will have the motivation to keep going, especially since he just got married over the break. 

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