Tue Nov 18 03:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Heat’s Kel’el Ware Leans on Udonis Haslem for Rebounding Boost
MIAMI – The Miami Heat are looking to second-year center Kel’el Ware to bolster their rebounding efforts, an area where the team has struggled this season. Ware is receiving valuable guidance from an unexpected source: Heat legend and all-time franchise rebounding leader Udonis Haslem.
Haslem, now an analyst for Amazon Prime, has been mentoring Ware, offering advice and film study suggestions to improve his performance on the boards. After the Heat’s recent loss to the Knicks, Haslem reached out to Ware, suggesting he review footage of Mitchell Robinson’s effective rebounding.
“It’s good to have people in my corner, especially UD, who’s somebody who hangs their head on rebounding,” Ware told ClutchPoints in an exclusive interview. “After every game, him texting me and just listening to what he has to say and actually taking that in, and wanting to get better myself.”
Ware’s performance this season has been inconsistent, averaging 10.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. However, his potential is undeniable, and the Heat are hoping Haslem’s mentorship can unlock his full potential.
Coach Erik Spoelstra praised Haslem’s continued involvement with the team. “He just continues to be a great mentor, he pours his energy into these guys, he just wants to see them succeed,” Spoelstra said. “Even though he’s working with Prime… he’s still invested… Kel’el has been stacking up good days.”
Veteran Bam Adebayo also commended Haslem’s selflessness in continuing to mentor current players.
The Heat currently struggle with allowing the most second-chance points in the NBA and have one of the league’s worst defensive rebounding percentages. Ware believes the entire team needs to focus on improving in this area. “It’s something that the whole team has to work on. We’re working on it every day, just trying to get better,” Ware said.
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