Kel’el Ware’s breakthrough rookie campaign has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise turbulent 2024-25 season for the Miami Heat.

As the team looks to turn things around with the playoffs right around the corner, Ware has continued to provide a much-needed spark — and he’s even hit some new historic marks along the way.

In Miami’s 118-95 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, Ware became the third rookie in NBA history to record a double-double without committing any turnovers or missing any shots. He shot a perfect 6-of-6 from the field while tallying 13 points and 14 rebounds in the Heat’s fourth consecutive win this past week.

Ware is currently averaging just over nine points and seven rebounds per game, all while shooting an efficient 56.3% from the field. After being selected by Miami 15th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, he wasn’t expected to take on too much of an immediate role early in the season.

As the holes in the Heat’s frontcourt became increasingly apparent, however, Ware climbed his way up in the rotation before becoming a key contributor late in the 2024-25 campaign. The rookie big man averaged just 7.0 minutes per game in November, whereas in March, his playing time has nearly quadrupled at 26.4 MPG.

Miami still has a long way to go in returning to its usual position atop the Eastern Conference. The Heat are currently tied for ninth in the East with a 33-41 overall record. If Ware and his fellow up-and-comers can continue developing the way they have to this point, however, Miami could re-emerge as a perennial contender as soon as next season.