Kel’el Ware’s sophomore season technically hasn’t begun yet, but there’s no question he’s already facing immense pressure before the start of training camp. Ware’s role with the Miami Heat this season is so crucial that how he handles it will greatly impact the team’s success or failure.

I wouldn’t say Ware is the most important player for the Heat heading into this season, but he could go a long way in helping raise their ceiling.

If Ware excels in the team’s likely decision to start him at the center position, it will successfully take a ton of pressure off Bam Adebayo on both ends of the floor, and it will give Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra much more flexibility with his rotations.

Spo would have the luxury to go big, small, or even get more creative with the lineups throughout the game without batting an eye. But that only happens if Ware lives up to the expectation that many have been quick to place on his shoulders heading into his sophomore season.

Kel’el Ware is trending up heading into his sophomore season

Sure, Ware is not close to walking in his full potential as a player, as we saw with his frustrating inconsistency during the NBA Summer League, but it’s hard to question his raw talent. Ware was quietly one of the better rookies in the league last season, and probably finishes higher in the NBA’s Rookie of the Year ladder if he had gotten a bigger role right off the opening tip.

He continued to show that potential to close out the summer league after a couple of questionable performances.

The hope is that he continues to build off his strong showing during the last two games of the NBA Summer League, and he erupts this season – not only as a legit starting center next to Bam, but also as a difference-making two-way player that will add another dynamic element to this Heat roster.

Kel’el Ware under pressure

But if Ware can’t take the next step in his potential, it will have a huge impact on the Heat’s season. That’s why there is so much riding on his sophomore season. Of course, the Heat will never admit it. Why would they?

The last thing the Heat needs to do is apply unnecessary pressure on Ware, giving him more on his already-loaded plate.

However, if Ware isn’t the answer at the center position, it will completely change the way the Heat approaches this season and will force Spo to play way more small ball than he may want. It will also limit Bam’s freedom on both ends of the floor. It would also make the Heat rethink everything about their future, especially with how much the team valued him in the trade market this summer.

In many ways, Ware has to be the real deal for the Heat. If he’s not, there’s going to be even more questions for Miami this season and in their future.