Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware. David Richard-Imagn Images

Heat big man responds to criticism from HC Erik Spoelstra

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 6:41 PM ET

Erik Spoelstra is widely viewed as the best coach in the NBA. He's elite when it comes to X's and O's and designing play calls or overall schemes. And throughout his career, he's proven himself to be a talented player development coach, too.

It's fair to assume that Spoelstra is a big reason why the Heat remain a competitive unit, even when they're lacking in star power and/or roster depth. Yet, Spoelstra still has moments that can surprise you. His recent criticism of sophomore big man Kel'el Ware is a prime example.

The veteran head coach made it clear that he wants the explosive center to embrace the professionalism needed to become a high-level player at the NBA level.

“He has to get better with that," Spoelstra told the media in Las Vegas. "It’s learning how to become a pro. I understand that he was 20 last year and he’s 21. But we have bigger expectations. It’s not your normal growth and growing pains of a young player learning how to become a pro. But that’s what this summer is about. Learning how to become a pro, learning how to be consistent every single day."

On Sunday, Ware responded with a dominant showing during the Heat's 92-72 Summer League loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He ended the night with 21 points, nine rebounds and three blocks.

During his post-game news conference, Ware addressed Spoelstra's previous comments, noting how the veteran coach wants to see him succeed.

”I mean it all comes down to like Spo said, just putting in the effort, going out and playing,” Ware said. “That is just what I wanted to show that I can do ... I just took it as motivation. Obviously, he’s the coach, and he has that trust in me, and he wants to see me be the best I can be. So I took it as motivation.”

Ware has all the tools needed to be an important member of Miami's rotation. He could develop into one of the better rim-running bigs in the league. However, Spoelstra understands the importance of a professional approach. Clearly, it's a standard he's unwilling to let slide with his team, regardless of where they're at in their trajectory or development.

Spoelstra's public criticism could have gone either way. However, Ware responded like a true professional. Now, the challenge will be keeping that same mindset, day in and day out, whether it's on the court, in the practice facility or at home when no one else is watching. If he can master that, then he will have a bright future ahead.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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