Kel’el Ware Milwaukee Bucks Los Angeles Lakers opportunity, Digi Mart USA News: Through the first 11 games of the season, the perception of center Kel’el Ware has not been positive, but he will have a big opportunity Wednesday night to potentially change the narrative.
The Milwaukee Bucks are returning home to face the Los Angeles Lakers to finish their back-to-back after losing in New York to the Knicks the night before. Milwaukee desperately missed its leading scorer, Tyler Herro, on Tuesday, who sat out with a right knee contusion, as the Bucks scored their lowest total of the season, 85 points, in the loss.
Herro was still listed as questionable ahead of the Lakers game, and the injury report also listed Myles Turner as out for rest. Turner has averaged 6.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 32.9% from the field and 25.5% from the 3-point line.
Over his last three games, he has averaged just 2 points, 5 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game on 2-for-22 shooting from the field and 1-for-13 from three.
Turner’s absence is notable given his recent production, and the reason for the rest designation seemed unusual after only 11 games. Regardless of the reason, Milwaukee will be without him, which gives Ware a chance to earn momentum as the starting center.
Ware has struggled recently after a solid start. In his first six games, he scored in double figures four times and recorded three double-doubles.
Over his last four games, he has averaged 3.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 6-for-27 from the field and 0-for-7 from three.
His minutes have fluctuated, and head coach Taylor Jenkins has at times quickly pulled him after possessions involving an offensive rebound, a foul or an easy paint basket. Ware was removed roughly a minute after checking in late in the second quarter, after being fouled on a drive.
Consistent playing time has been difficult for Ware to establish a rhythm, but the Bucks will need to lean on him at center, especially if Herro cannot play, since backup Jericho Sims lacks Ware’s offensive versatility. Ware shot 39.5% from three last season with the Miami Heat and can stretch the floor.
His defensive impact comes mostly from shot-blocking, and Milwaukee would like to see more consistency on that end.
Many early-season narratives have labeled Ware a disappointment. The 22-year-old now has the opportunity to prove himself against the Lakers and possibly step into a larger role, especially with Turner’s recent struggles.
