Heat Coach Spoelstra Impressed by Adebayo-Ware Frontcourt Duo

Spoelstra experimented with the big man pairing in Miami's blowout win over the Wizards.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 8:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra was pleased with the performance of his frontcourt duo of Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware in the team's 132-101 victory over the Washington Wizards. Spoelstra gave Ware extended playing time, which has been rare in recent weeks, and the rookie big man looked natural alongside veteran center Adebayo. The coach said he liked what he saw from the pair and will look to maximize their potential in the team's second unit rotation moving forward.

Why it matters

The Heat have struggled to find the right balance and minutes distribution for their young center Kel'el Ware, who is seen as one of the team's most promising players. Spoelstra's willingness to experiment with Ware alongside Adebayo could unlock a new frontcourt pairing that provides both size and athleticism for Miami's second unit.

The details

Ware played 30 minutes in the win, which is a rarity for the rookie in recent weeks. Spoelstra said he wanted to see how the Ware-Adebayo duo would perform, and the two big men looked natural together on both ends of the floor. Adebayo even had one of the highlights of the game with a putback dunk, though he also posterized Ware at one point. Spoelstra praised the defensive stability and activity of the unit featuring the two centers, as well as their ability to control the glass.

  • The Miami Heat defeated the Washington Wizards on Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Erik Spoelstra

The head coach of the Miami Heat, known for his ability to develop young talent and maximize the potential of his roster.

Bam Adebayo

The veteran center for the Miami Heat, who has been a key part of the team's success in recent years.

Kel'el Ware

A promising young center for the Miami Heat, who has struggled to earn consistent playing time under Coach Spoelstra.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I liked it today. We want to see where we can maximize rotations as much as possible. Particularly with that 2nd unit. Bam has been a great anchor for us in whatever lineup he's been in, especially the last 6 weeks or so.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach, Miami Heat (Sporting News)

“It'll depend on how much it can be productive. Kas gave us a good boost also with that unit. Defensively, that unit was very stable and active. Offensively, we managed the spacing and pounded them on the glass.”

— Erik Spoelstra, Head Coach, Miami Heat (Sporting News)

What’s next

Spoelstra and the Heat will look to continue experimenting with the Adebayo-Ware frontcourt pairing in the coming games to see if it can be an effective long-term solution for their second unit.

The takeaway

Spoelstra's willingness to give Ware extended minutes and pair him with the veteran Adebayo shows the coach's commitment to developing the young center and finding the right frontcourt combinations to maximize the Heat's potential this season.