Apr 26, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware (7) dribbles the basketball as Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) defends in the third quarter during game three for the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Kel'el Ware Gets Ultimate Stamp Of Approval From Miami Heat Legend

Originally posted on Miami Heat on SI | By Bryan Townes | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 11:29 AM ET

After one of the best rookie seasons in Miami Heat history, center Kel’el Ware is determined to solidify himself as one of the main pieces for the future.

One Heat great is already buying into the hype. On the 560 WQAM radio show, Alonzo Mourning said if Ware’s impressive offseason progress continues, the Heat are well on their way as a franchise if he reaches his full potential.

“I told him, 'You have the potential to be one of the greatest players in Miami Heat franchise history,'” Mourning said. “I said you have that potential, but you have to put in the work. That’s how we started the conversation, and he’s done just that. If you think about how he started the season and how he ended it, he’s made incredible strides. So, if we can continue to see that type of progress, then we’re on our way as a franchise.”

Alonzo Mourning says it’s didn’t take long for Kel’el Ware to get back in the gym after the Miami Heat season ended and he’s already seen Ware get better this summer with all the work he’s putting in. pic.twitter.com/DAyHWP37E3
— Brendan Tobin (@Brendan_Tobin) June 26, 2025

Ware finished the season averaging 9.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks on 55.4 percent shooting. At 21 years old, his timeline with the Heat aligns perfectly with Bam Adebayo's, allowing the Heat to continue their double-big lineups as the duo will only improve.

“He’s got a bright future, he really does,” Mourning said. “Mentally, he’s in the right place because it didn’t take too long until he was back in the gym after the season was over with and getting the reps in and doing what he needs to do to be prepared for next season.”