Miami Heat's Kel'el Ware Faces Lineup Uncertainty as Team Nears Full Health

Should the rookie continue to start if the Heat's injured players return?

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the Miami Heat get closer to having their full roster healthy, there are questions about whether rookie Kel'el Ware will continue to start. The Heat have had various players start alongside Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and others when the team has been closer to whole, including Pelle Larsson, Andrew Wiggins, and Davion Mitchell. It's unclear if Ware would remain in the starting lineup if the Heat have all their key players available.

Why it matters

Ware has been a bright spot for the Heat this season, but the team's rotation and starting lineup could shift significantly once they regain full health. How Ware fits into the lineup going forward will be an important storyline to watch as the Heat make a push for the playoffs.

The details

In the weeks before the All-Star break, the Heat's starting lineup when closer to full health included Pelle Larsson, Andrew Wiggins, and Davion Mitchell alongside Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. It's unclear if Ware would slide into the starting five if the Heat have all their key players available, including Norman Powell, who has been in and out of the lineup due to injury.

  • The Heat are nearing full health after the All-Star break.
  • Ware has been starting for the Heat in recent weeks.

The players

Kel'el Ware

A rookie forward who has been starting for the Miami Heat in recent weeks.

Bam Adebayo

A key starter and All-Star for the Miami Heat.

Tyler Herro

A starting guard and key scorer for the Miami Heat.

Norman Powell

A veteran wing player who has been in and out of the Miami Heat lineup due to injury.

Pelle Larsson

A second-round draft pick who has been starting for the Miami Heat.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If you're talking about having Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Norman Powell, Davion Mitchell and Andrew Wiggins, I'm not sure that Kel'el would slip in as an alternative fifth factor, considering that five doesn't also include Pelle Larsson.”

— Ira Winderman, Columnist (sun-sentinel.com)

What’s next

The Heat will have to determine Kel'el Ware's role once the team is at full strength after the All-Star break.

The takeaway

The Miami Heat have a talented and deep roster, which could make it challenging for rookie Kel'el Ware to maintain a starting role once the team regains full health. The coaching staff will have some tough decisions to make about the optimal starting lineup and rotation as they push for a playoff spot.