The Heat rookie gets the Dereck Lively II comparison, but there’s a catch

Miami Heat rookie Kel’el Ware has drawn attention after his first preseason performance, drawing comparisons to Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II. In the Heat’s 111-108 loss to the Charlotte Hornets earlier this week, the 20-year-old 7-footer put his skills on display, finishing with 13 points, five rebounds, four blocks and two steals in only 17 minutes of play.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, speaking on “The Hoop Collective”, highlighted Ware’s potential, comparing him to Lively.

“Did you see what Heat #1 pick Kel’el Ware did in his first game? This guy looks like Dereck Lively with a 3-point shot. Not exaggerating, but WOAH!” Windhorst said.

While the comparison is flattering, it comes with an important distinction: Ware can shoot from deep, while Lively hasn’t developed a consistent 3-point shot. In his preseason debut, Ware hit 1-for-3 from beyond the arc, a skill set that could set him apart from his Mavericks counterpart. That shooting ability, combined with his defensive versatility, makes Ware an intriguing prospect for Miami.

Heat rookie Kel’el Ware draws Dereck Lively II comparison after preseason debut

Ware’s preseason success follows a strong performance in the NBA Summer League, where he averaged 18 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. He also shot 61.8% from the field and 30% from three, helping the Miami Heat to a summer league championship against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The comparison to Lively carries weight because of Lively’s impact as a rookie, helping lead the Mavericks to the NBA Finals before falling to the Boston Celtics in five games. However, Lively’s game is primarily focused on defense and rim protection, with her outside shooting being a notable gap. Ware’s ability to stretch the floor like a 7-footer adds another dimension to her game that Lively currently lacks.

If Ware can maintain his shooting consistency and continue to develop his all-around game, the Heat may have found a valuable asset. His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor could prove pivotal as Miami looks to get back into Eastern Conference contention.