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ASK IRA: Is Kelâel Ware as a postseason starter a Heat possibility?
TL;DR
Kelâel Ware's potential as a postseason starter for the Heat remains uncertain, especially against the Hornets' strong 3-point shooting. Erik Spoelstra's recent lineup changes may not be enough to prepare Ware for the challenges ahead in the play-in games.
Q: It only took Erik Spoelstra 80 games to get Kelâel Ware where he should be, in the starting lineup. Now weâre talking. â Thomas.
A: Or not. First Kelâel Ware started 32 games before these last two games. As for these last two games of the regular season, consider what was fielded Friday night by the Wizards and Sunday by the Hawks. As much as anything, they likely stood as starts of opportunity, with Erik Spoelstra able to move Ware into the lineup at minimal risk. It would be difficult to fathom Kelâel starting in the play-in against the Hornets and their 3-point shooting. That seemingly would set up as a pick-and-roll disaster with Kelâel in drop coverage. (Although Iâm sure Kon Kneuppel would be greatly appreciative.) Yes, Spoelstra has shown an ability to innovate with his postseason approaches over the years, but with this quick of a turnaround, not sure that he can get Kelâel in the right space to make it work against the Hornetsâ approach.
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Q: Now theyâve signed Jahmir Young to a standard contract, to me, this move feels a lot like when they picked up Kendrick Nunn at the end of the 2018â19 season. From what you know about how the Heat operate, is that a fair comparison? Thanks. â Hubble, Miami.
A: Donât think so. Kendrick Nunn was an outside talent the Heat coveted for much of that season before signing him from the Warriorsâ G League affiliate. This, when you get down to it, was more of a one-game reward for Jahmir Youngâs efforts with the Heatâs G League team. Kendrick was signed with more of a long view. That does not necessarily appear to be the case with the Jahmir signing.
Q: Go to Cancun. Itâs time.
A: And that could be the case by Tuesday night or shortly thereafter. But as of Sunday, not a single sombrero in the Heat locker room. Instead, there was the type of confidence one typically does not see exuded by a No. 10. To a man, they have insisted they are better than that. Next they have to show it.
Q&A
What are the chances of Kelâel Ware starting in the Heat's postseason games?
Kelâel Ware's chances of starting in the postseason are low, particularly due to concerns about his defensive matchups against teams like the Hornets.
How many games did Kelâel Ware start before the last two games of the regular season?
Kelâel Ware started 32 games before the last two games of the regular season.
What recent roster move did the Miami Heat make involving Jahmir Young?
The Miami Heat signed Jahmir Young to a standard contract, elevating him from a two-way deal to fill a vacated roster spot.
