2025-26 Season
KEL'EL WARE
2025-26 Season
KEL'EL WARE
Ware produces at an elite rate for a 22-minute workload.
Ware produces at an elite rate for a 22-minute workload.
PBP Credit: Every play is analyzed from play-by-play data. Scorers get difficulty-adjusted credit, assisters get creation value based on the shot opportunity they created, and turnovers are classified by type. Shot difficulty is derived from 1M+ shots across 4 seasons. Full methodology
TEAM COMPARISON
of 14 teammates (10+ games, 10+ min)
Similar Players
Same position, closest production profile this season.
SKILL DNA
Percentile rank vs 93 Centers with 10+ games
THE SEASON SO FAR
Kel'el Ware's first 26 games were defined by a violent rebounding breakout that made him an indispensable rotation piece. Even when his jump shot vanished, he found ways to dictate the action through relentless effort on the glass. Look at his 11/20 vs GSW performance, where he scraped together just seven points but still posted a +4.7 Impact score by swallowing up 16 rebounds. However, his perimeter shot selection occasionally sabotaged his overall value. During the 10/28 vs CHA matchup, Ware scored 14 points but registered a -0.4 Impact because he forced the issue, dragging down the offense with a 4-for-13 shooting night that included eight ill-advised three-point attempts. Yet when he plays within his role, the results are terrifying for opponents. He absolutely dismantled the interior on 11/23 vs PHI, pouring in 20 points and grabbing 16 boards to earn a staggering +27.7 Impact.
This stretch was defined by a blistering breakout as a starter that inexplicably devolved into a frustrating mid-season benching. Ware looked entirely unstoppable during 12/21 vs NYK, erupting for 28 points and 19 rebounds. His massive +40.3 Impact score in that contest was driven by elite shot selection, as he ruthlessly buried 11 of his 15 field goal attempts while stretching the floor. Even when his offensive touch vanished, he still managed to generate value through sheer physical effort. During 01/02 vs DET, Ware scored a measly four points on 1-for-6 shooting but still scraped out a +2.8 Impact because he aggressively controlled the glass with 13 rebounds. Unfortunately, a mid-January demotion to the second unit completely derailed his rhythm. By 01/31 vs CHI, he looked totally disengaged, registering a dreadful -8.6 Impact in just three minutes while failing to offer any real defensive resistance or rebounding presence.
This late-season stretch defined Kel'el Ware as a volatile, high-ceiling glass-cleaner who swung wildly between game-wrecking dominance and utter invisibility. When fully engaged, he was an absolute menace around the rim. Look no further than his monstrous +29.8 Impact score on 03/05 vs BKN, where he bullied the interior for 11 rebounds and converted a highly efficient 7-of-9 from the floor. Yet, head-scratching lapses in effort constantly threatened his rotation spot. On 04/01 vs BOS, he scored an efficient 8 points on perfect perimeter shooting, but a meager two rebounds and a complete lack of defensive resistance dragged him down to a brutal -6.4 Impact. Fortunately, sheer volume usually salvaged his rougher offensive nights. He endured a grueling 42-minute start on 04/14 vs CHA, overcoming a miserable 5-for-12 shooting performance by outworking everyone for 19 rebounds to post a +17.5 Impact. The physical tools are glaringly obvious, but his mental motor still dictates whether he plays like a franchise pillar or a bench afterthought.
IMPACT TIMELINE
Game-by-game performance vs average. Green = above average, red = below.
Volatile for his role. Ware has noticeable ups and downs, with scoring moving ~6 points between games.
Middle-of-the-road efficiency — shoots 45%+ from the field in 67% of games. Not automatic, but not a problem either.
Defensive difference-maker. Ware consistently forces tough shots and protects the rim — opponents shoot worse when he's guarding them.
Performance has dropped off. First-half impact: +10.3, second-half: +5.5. Worth watching whether it's fatigue, injury, or opponents adjusting.
Tends to go on runs. Longest hot streak: 11 games. Longest cold streak: 3 games.
MATCHUP HISTORY ⚠ Updated 46 days ago
Based on 73 games with tracking data. Shows who guarded this player on offense and who he guarded on defense, with their shooting stats in those matchups.
ON OFFENSE: WHO GUARDED HIM
His shooting stats against each primary defender this season
ON DEFENSE: WHO HE GUARDED
How opponents shot when he was the primary defender. Lower FG% = better defense.
SEASON STATS
GAME LOG
78 games played
