The Miami Heat made a surprising move in the 2024 NBA draft by selecting Kel'el Ware, the former Indiana big man, as the No. 15 pick. This selection garnered various reactions from draft experts and analysts.

Leading up to the draft, there were speculations that Ware's lack of intensity in his pre-draft workouts could cause him to fall to the end of the first round or possibly even to the second round. However, the Heat decided to take a chance on him, known for their emphasis on toughness, consistent energy, and conditioning.

The decision to pass on Dalton Knecht, who many thought would be a good fit for the Heat, surprised some experts. Knecht later got selected by the Lakers at No. 17. It's speculated that the Heat believed Knecht's defense didn't align well with Tyler Herro's limitations on the perimeter, and therefore decided to focus on upgrading their frontcourt with a young rim-protector like Ware.

At 7'1" and possessing significant athleticism, Ware's skills as a pick-and-roll big and his ability to pressure the rim showed tremendous improvement from his time at Oregon to his sophomore season at Indiana. He has also developed his ball-handling and can guard the perimeter effectively.

While Ware's occasional on-court lethargy might not fit the typical #HeatCulture, he fills a need for a backup center who can score. This was a position the Heat struggled to fill last offseason. Additionally, his ability to play on the perimeter opens up the possibility of sharing the court with Bam Adebayo at times, allowing the Heat to play a five-out style of play.

Ware's selection has received mixed reactions. Some believe that his potential, particularly as a drop coverage shot-blocker, lob threat, and spot-up shooter, makes him a valuable addition to the Heat's roster. Others express concerns about his shooting consistency, physicality, and feel for the game, making his success in the NBA uncertain.

Nevertheless, the Heat, known for their coaching and development program, aim to help Ware reach his full potential. Erik Spoelstra and his staff have a history of nurturing talent and maximizing player growth.

With this pick, the Heat continue their effort to solidify their frontcourt and find a reliable backup for Bam Adebayo. Ware's athleticism, rebounding ability, shot-blocking skills, and potential for shooting improvement make him an intriguing player to watch.

As the NBA offseason progresses, it remains to be seen how Ware's career will unfold and whether he can make a significant impact on the Heat's success.