With the 2024-2025 NBA Season and training camp fast approaching, the rookies of the 2024 NBA Draft will have a lot to prove. While the rookies on the Miami Heat have immense talent, much like the Chicago Bulls, they have questions they need to answer. Here are questions that each of the rookies on the Miami Heat have to answer during the 2024-2025 NBA Season.
1 Question For Each Miami Heat Rookie
Kel’el Ware
Question: Can Ware immediately contribute as the backup center behind Bam Adebayo?
With the 15th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Miami Heat selected Kel’el Ware from Indiana. As one of the more impressive centers in the draft, Ware‘s talents lie in his ability to hit shots from deep and be an effective defender around the basket. Additionally, Ware is extremely athletic and an impressive finisher around the rim. While he has had concerns surrounding his motor on the court, Ware eased such concerns with his play at summer league this year. Throughout summer league, Ware consistently put up double-digit scoring games and had many games in which he achieved a double-double. Furthermore, his play had been so impressive that he even received an All-Summer League First Team selection. By and large, Ware showcased the skills he has in his arsenal in a dominating fashion.
Given his excellent play at summer league, Ware has an important question that he needs to answer for the 2024-2025 NBA Season. Can Ware be an immediate contributor behind Bam Adebayo as the backup center? The Miami Heat need a backup center who can take some of the burden off of Adebayo. Despite being a rookie, Ware has the combination of offense and defense in his skill set to fill that role. If he can answer that question, Ware will have consistent minutes to continue to grow and develop on the court. The Miami Heat will have extra center depth behind Adebayo, which they have lacked for multiple seasons. If Ware can translate the productivity at summer league to an NBA court, then all questions about his motor will be answered. Ware will need to make the most of his opportunities to claim his spot in the rotation.
Pelle Larsson
Question: Can Larsson immediately contribute to the Miami Heat this season?
The Miami Heat selected Pelle Larsson with the 44th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. As an older prospect, Larsson has refined his skill set to center around three-pointing shooting, and defense. He is the type of player who can fill a connector role and play his role impeccably. This was made apparent at summer league, where Larsson showed off his three-point shooting and defensive capabilities. Every team needs players like Larsson who can both defend and shoot at a reasonable level. The question for Larsson is whether he can use his skill set and be an immediate contributor for the Heat this season.
With the departure of Caleb Martin to the 76ers, the Heat need for more 3-and-D production, which Larsson can fill. If Larsson can immediately contribute, he can fill some of the minutes that Martin once held. That would give him a consistent role and minutes for the season. As mentioned before, Larsson is an older prospect, so he should be more ready to step in and contribute. If Larsson can’t contribute right away, then it is likely he won’t see minutes in his rookie year. Additionally, his older age would mean he wouldn’t have as much upside as a player, which calls into question his future in the league. It will be up to Larsson to prove that he can step in and be a contributor to the Miami Heat.
Keshad Johnson
Question: Can Johnson play well enough to earn a full contract?
Keshad Johnson signed a two-way contract with the Miami Heat after going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft. Johnson has shown himself to be a versatile frontcourt player who can do a little bit of everything, both in college and at Summer League. Alongside the versatility in his game, Johnson plays with a lot of hustle. He has the skills and the heart to have a future in the league.
The question for Johnson is whether or not he can play enough to earn a full contract with the Heat. The Heat need more frontcourt depth at the power forward position. If Johnson plays well enough to earn a full contract, he can serve as more frontcourt depth for the Heat. With that role, Johnson will have consistent minutes and role with the Heat. Most importantly, if Johnson succeeds, he will have a future in the league. If not, then Johnson will have a tough time finding his place in the NBA. Regardless, Johnson will need to impress in the opportunities presented to him.
