The Heat drafted Kel’el Ware with the 15th overall pick and traded their second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks. In return, the Heat receives the draft rights to Pelle Larsson (selected 44th overall) in addition to cash considerations from the Atlanta Hawks.
This helps the Hawks trade AJ Griffin to the Houston Rockets and is part of a three-team trade. However, the Heat did not trade up for a top-five pick in the 2024 Draft despite the rumors that we covered in an earlier article. In any case, the Heat were active during the 2024 NBA Draft. Without further ado, let’s dive into what the Heat did during the two days of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Heat 2024 Offseason Part 6: Ware Could Fit Well on the Heat
Kel’el Ware from Indiana University is not a draft prospect who was on many peoples’ radar when it comes to the Heat. However, Ware could fit well with the Heat. Ware is athletic, can block shots, and rebounded the ball well in college. Additionally, Ware seems comfortable taking open catch-and-shoot three-point shots, although he did so on low volume in his sophomore season at Indiana. Ware is also a good pick-and-roll finisher.
Defensively, Ware is a seven-foot center with a seven-foot-three wingspan. He can effectively guard the perimeter due to his quickness. There are some concerns about his physicality and motor, though.
Still, it is good to see the Heat add some size in their frontcourt. Bam Adebayo could use a solid backup so that the Heat don’t fall apart when he is off the floor. Adebayo is an excellent and popular player, but he can’t play every minute for the Heat.
The Heat have a great track record of developing their first-round picks well in recent years and hopefully, Ware will develop into another solid player for Miami.
The Heat Traded Their Second-Round Pick to the Hawks
Additionally, the Heat made a trade during the second day of the 2024 NBA Draft. The Heat traded the draft rights to Nikola Djurisic (selected 43rd overall) to the Atlanta Hawks for the draft rights to Pelle Larsson (selected 44th overall) and cash considerations. Pelle Larsson is a 6’6″ wing from Arizona University.
Larsson averaged 12.8 points and 3.7 assists while shooting 51% from the field and 42% from three-point range in his final season at Arizona. He is also a reliable catch-and-shoot three-point shooter. Defensively, Larsson can guard multiple positions and can play as a point guard, shooting guard, or small forward.
Larsson has the potential to earn a larger role on offense if he develops well. He could help the Heat significantly on offense if he reaches his potential. For a second-round pick in a seemingly weak draft, this seems like a solid move for the Heat.
The Heat Might Make More Moves Soon
Now that the 2024 Draft is over, the Heat might make more moves soon. The Heat should look to acquire a star player to significantly improve their offense. Hopefully, that happens. Check back next week for more Miami Heat content.