Heat must make an obvious Kel'el Ware decision to avoid disaster

The Miami Heat have made it clear to those around the NBA that Kel'el Ware factors into their long-term plans. Miami refused to trade Ware for Kevin Durant, thus offering their new franchise center a ringing endorsement for all of the Association to hear.

Ware has since gone on to justify the hype within the Summer League setting, leaving Miami with a clear decision to make: Shut him down before the risk of injury becomes a reality.

Ware began Summer League with 10 points and six rebounds against the Atlanta Hawks. He's since played games on back to back days, posting 21 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first leg.

The second time around, Ware went off to the tune of 21 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block against the Boston Celtics.

Having thoroughly established that he's a cut above the Summer League talent pool, it's time for Miami to shut him down until the 2025-26 season. The risk of Ware suffering an injury isn't worth the reward of gaining more reps against his fellow up-and-comers.

The Heat may very well view this Summer League stint as a humbling experience, but there's more at stake than getting a point across.

Heat must shut Kel'el Ware down at Summer League to avoid injury risk

Ware's summer has been a polarizing ride. He's thrived at Summer League and received the ultimate praise as a player the Heat were unwilling to trade for Durant, but he's also been publicly called out by his head coach.

In the midst of Ware's dominant Summer League display, Erik Spoelstra challenged the big man to improve his professionalism—a public approach to a sensitive subject.

Ware has responded favorably on the court, although it's fair to believe the Heat want more from him than numbers. Perhaps playing at Summer League is the franchise's method of surrounding Ware with coaches who can help him meet their standard of professionalism.

The risk at play, however, is an injury that could derail the remainder of Ware's offseason progress on the court.

That would prove disastrous, as Ware projects to play a significant role for the Heat in 2025-26. He started 36 of the final 38 games he played in 2024-25 and should have an opportunity to return to the starting lineup this coming season.

With Adebayo taking on a larger offensive role at the 4-spot and Ware anchoring the interior at the 5, the Heat will have a full training camp to work out the details of their new dynamic.

If Ware suffers an injury, however, that well-founded plan could go up in flames as Adebayo is forced to shift back to the 5-spot. He's more than capable, but his role would change and the Heat's entire roster and outlook would need to adjust accordingly.

Miami wanting Ware to make progress as a professional is a fair ambition, but avoiding the risk of an injury during a Summer League game must take precedence.