Kel'el Ware's time with the Miami Heat was defined by his inconsistent role. In January, Ware spoke on his frustration, saying it was "hard" to go out there when he wasn't sure what his role would be, per an article from the Miami Herald's Anthony Chiang (subscription required). Now that he's with the Bucks, Ware has a real opportunity to thrive if Taylor Jenkins takes a different approach than Erik Spoelstra.
Ware never had stability in Miami
Spoelstra never quite found out where he liked Ware best. In his two seasons, he has started in 70 of his 141 regular season games, with his minutes typically fluctuating. The big man went from playing 26.1 minutes per game in November to just 17.2 in January. No wonder it was difficult for Ware to get into a groove. When there is no stability, it's challenging to perform consistently.
All of this is only amplified by Ware being young. The 22-year-old just finished up his second season. While there was improvement in several statistical categories, he actually finished averaging fewer minutes than he did as a rookie. That's not going to help bring the best out of him; it's only going to wreck his confidence and prevent him from taking the necessary strides.
A young player needs to be let off the leash, and Taylor Jenkins knows this.
Jenkins could be the perfect coach for Ware
While Spoelstra is largely known for relying on veterans, Jenkins is on the opposite end. Through his tenure coaching the Memphis Grizzlies, Jenkins earned his keep by helping young players like Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. blossom into the players they are today. That didn't come from yanking them in and out of the rotation. It came through throwing them into the fire.
While Jenkins calling the shots should help, Ware isn't guaranteed to have the biggest role of his NBA career thus far. Myles Turner is still in town and feels like the go-to starter at center. As long as Turner is in town, though, Ware should have a defined role as Milwaukee's backup big man. It might not be as prominent a role as he'd like, but as long as things are stable, that's what matters right off the bat.
Players like Ware are exactly why the Milwaukee Bucks look so smart for hiring Jenkins to be their new head coach. Understanding that the Giannis Antetokounmpo era could be nearing an end and that they could soon employ an assortment of young talent, the team hired a player development aficionado to work with the newcomers.
Now, one of his first tasks will be unearthing Ware.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
Add us as a preferred source on Google