Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra offered candid remarks about Kel’el Ware’s development this season, reflecting on the sophomore’s growth and highlighting areas where the young forward still needs to become more consistent to help the team’s playoff push.

Ware has made significant strides in his second NBA season, showing improved scoring, rebounding, and defensive activity, particularly as a shot-blocker, which has helped Miami maintain competitiveness in a tough Eastern Conference despite some uneven performances.

The Heat were coming off a brutal 122-94 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, a game in which Ware contributed seven points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and a block over 28 minutes, though he struggled with efficiency, shooting just 3-of-10 from the field.

He also struggled from long range, converting only one of five three-point attempts, which underscored the challenge Spoelstra and his staff face in helping Ware become a more reliable offensive threat from all areas of the floor.

Reflecting on the loss, Spoelstra told reporters via Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald that when asked about Ware’s path to consistency, the head coach offered a lighthearted but telling response: “Let me know,” he said, highlighting that the development process is ongoing.

“We’re working on it, and he’s had more good moments than not,” Spoelstra added, emphasizing that while Ware’s progression has been substantial, it has not been a smooth or linear process, and learning from game-to-game experiences is critical.

Spoelstra also noted that these experiences, even in losses, are valuable for Ware’s growth, saying: “His growth has been immense, but it has not been linear. It’s been a lot of ups and downs, and he’s significantly better than where he was last year at this time.”

For Miami to make a deeper playoff push, Ware’s consistency on both ends of the floor will be essential, as Spoelstra has built a system around versatility, spacing, and defensive effort, all areas where the young forward can provide a tangible impact if he continues to improve.

Through 37 appearances in the 2025-26 season, Ware is averaging 12.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, showcasing his ability to contribute across multiple categories and anchoring the team’s frontcourt in both scoring and rim protection.

He is also shooting 54.8% from the field, including an impressive 43% from three-point range, while converting 81.5% of free throws, indicating that Ware is gradually developing into a more efficient and versatile offensive player capable of spacing the floor.

Despite these numbers, Miami’s record sits at 20-17, good enough for the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, illustrating that while Ware has made progress, the team’s overall consistency remains a challenge as they seek to climb higher in the standings.

The Heat currently hold a slim three-game cushion over the Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls, while trailing the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic by just half a game, meaning every matchup, including those featuring Ware, could impact playoff positioning in a competitive conference.

Spoelstra’s guidance and Kel’el Ware’s development will be key for the Heat in the coming weeks, particularly as they prepare for the next stretch of road games that will test the team’s depth, resilience, and ability to close out tight contests.

After facing the Bulls on January 8, Miami will travel to take on the Indiana Pacers on January 10 at 7 p.m. ET, a matchup that will provide another opportunity to evaluate Ware’s consistency and his contribution on both offense and defense against a team with a strong interior presence.

For the Heat, the season is at a critical juncture, and players like Ware will need to continue building confidence, refining their games, and delivering steady performances night after night if Miami hopes to improve its seeding and make a meaningful playoff run.

Spoelstra has navigated the season effectively, keeping Miami in playoff contention, but the next step involves translating Ware’s potential into consistent on-court production, particularly in high-pressure moments where defensive rotations and scoring efficiency can decide games.

As the season progresses, Ware’s development trajectory will likely influence the Heat’s long-term strategy, both in terms of roster construction and the coaching staff’s approach to integrating younger players into a system designed for sustained competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, as Kel’el Ware’s ability to make the next leap could define Miami’s playoff success, ensuring that the team is not just competitive, but capable of challenging elite squads in the second half of the season.