The Heat picked Kel’el Ware from Indiana in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft. Ware, who was at the Barclays Center, transferred to Indiana University after his first year at Oregon.
Simon praised Ware's versatility when he talked to reporters at the end of the night.
Simon said, "It's rare to find 7-footers who can play on the perimeter offensively and also block shots and defend the post. That was very attractive to us."
Ware started crying when his name was called on Wednesday night. He was with his family and IU coach Mike Woodson.
Ware's journey had many ups and downs, starting rough as a five-star recruit in Eugene. He played all 35 games but only averaged 15.8 minutes per game, with Oregon coach Dana Altman often questioning his effort.
He averaged 6.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.
Altman said, "We've talked a lot, but the conversations haven't been as good or helpful as we wanted. I was disappointed in his effort and told him so. He needs to make changes, or I will have to make decisions. That's why his playing time has been cut."
He transferred to Bloomington and improved his draft prospects. At the start of the 2023-24 season, he was barely considered a first-round pick in most mock drafts, but he ended up getting an invitation to the first round of the draft.
Simon gave a straightforward opinion on the past criticism.
"That criticism is easy and obvious," Simon said. "Kel'el is better than that."
The Heat’s scouting team thoroughly researched Ware, even speaking with coaches from his high school days in Arkansas.
"I believe we're looking at a young player with a competitive spirit," Simon said. "He's proven he can score, block shots, and grab rebounds. To me, he doesn't match that description."
Last season, Ware averaged 15.9 points (58.6% shooting), 9.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. He received All-Big Ten recognition as third team by the coaches and second team by the media, and he was also named to the conference's All-Defensive Team.
Simon is looking forward to teaming Ware with the Heat's star player Bam Adebayo. Adebayo, a three-time All-Star and five-time All-Defensive center, averaged 19.3 points and 10.4 rebounds last season.
He is expected to sign a contract extension worth $166 million over three years this summer, which would keep him with the team until the 2028-29 season.
Miami also lacks depth at the center position for next year, as they await decisions from backup centers Thomas Bryant (also from Indiana University) and Kevin Love on their player options.
"I believe his skills match well with our team, and Coach Spoelstra will be able to utilize his strengths," Simon said about Ware. "His abilities will complement Bam when they play together and also when Bam is resting."
Simon emphasized Ware's potential to shoot 3-pointers effectively and stretch the floor. Despite Ware shooting 42.5% from 3-point range, he attempted only 40 shots. Miami's decision-makers were not worried about this small sample size.
"He's eager to shoot," Simon said. "His shooting motion is smooth and effortless. Sometimes he used fake passes to deceive defenders. At Indiana under Coach Woodson, he operated frequently near the basket and also participated in lob plays. Despite attempting only 40 shots, he remains a significant threat."
While Simon didn't disclose Ware's exact position on the team's draft list, he admitted it was higher than where the team ultimately selected him.
"Yes, definitely," Simon said with a smile. "He was ranked higher than 15."
SOURCE: IndyStar