The 2024 NBA Draft kicks off on Wednesday, June 26. First round selections will be announced on Wednesday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, and the second round will take place on Thursday.
Indiana Hoosiers center Kel’el Ware will be a big name to watch on Wednesday evening. Ware, who began his collegiate career at Oregon before transferring to Indiana for his second and final season, stands at a towering seven feet. The Ringer’s mock draft sees him heading to the Kings with the 13th overall pick, while CBS sends him to the Pelicans with the 21st overall pick.
Kel’el Ware Draft Profile
Ware was named to the second-team All-Big Ten and to the Big Ten all-defensive team following the 2023-24 season. He led the Hoosiers in points per game (15.9) and rebounds per game (9.9) last season. His rim protection was a highlight, as well, as the seven-footer averaged 1.9 blocks per game.
Strengths
Ware’s size is a big mark in the “pros” category, and he made major improvements to his game between his freshman year at Oregon and his sophomore year at Indiana. His shot-blocking and rim defense abilities create a strong foundation as he heads to the next level. He is also strong from the three — he went 42.5% from the perimeter last season. Since bigs men in college are not frequently asked to fill that role, Ware heads into the draft with an extra trick up his sleeve. His size makes him an effective scorer in the paint — he made 58.7% of his field goal attempts at Indiana last season.
Weaknesses
Ware’s stamina throughout a full game has been an issue. Even with his large size, he can lose out on rebounds to more physical players due to his occasional refusal to fight for his spot in the post. Ware did not emerge as a true offensive leader at Indiana despite his team-high points average. He lacks aggression in the paint and may be heading to the NBA a year too early — one more season of college development may have brought those traits out in Ware and turned him into a true weapon.
Player comparison: Myles Turner
The Ringer compared Ware to Myles Turner, while NBADraft.net sees him as a Jarrett Allen-type figure.