Even after the Heat’s season ended earlier than hoped, Erik Spoelstra focused on the positives, particularly the development of younger players such as Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Pelle Larsson and Kasparas Jakucionis, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald.
He pointed to Ware as an example of growth, noting how the rookie handled bigger moments as the season progressed.
“There was significant improvement. You saw his ability to compete in a meaningful game and produce in the moments of truth,” Spoelstra said of Ware.
“There were a lot of ups and downs this year, but I appreciate his intention every day trying to work at it, get better. And he still has a big offseason ahead to make that next jump hopefully.”
On the roster side, Simone Fontecchio is approaching free agency and has already indicated he’d welcome a return to Miami.
As Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press notes, the 30-year-old said Thursday he likely won’t join Italy for World Cup qualifying games in July, but expects to be available in August once his contract situation is resolved.
End-of-season notes on the Heat, including more thoughts from Erik Spoelstra on the play that injured Bam Adebayo: https://t.co/po9zcgFzeM
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 17, 2026
