Heat’s Ware Answers Spoelstra’s Challenge; Raptors Mull 15th Spot; Pistons Add Akins on Exhibit 10
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MIAMI — Second-year center Kel’el Ware delivered his best preseason outing after coach Erik Spoelstra urged him to play with greater force. Two nights after a modest double-double, the 7-footer erupted for 29 points and 12 rebounds against San Antonio, with the Heat outscoring the Spurs by 10 while he was on the floor.
“I always take anything Spo says to me as motivation,” Ware told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Spoelstra cited sharper pick-and-roll coverage, stronger rim protection, improved rebounding and elevated energy, noting his favorite sequence came when Ware passed up a three-pointer to attack the basket instead.
The coach’s message remains consistent: Miami does not need Ware to chase statistics; it needs him to assert his physical presence.
Raptors Still Debating Final Roster Slot
TORONTO — With 14 guaranteed contracts in place, head coach Darko Rajaković said the Raptors are weighing whether to carry a full 15-man roster on opening night. If the club elects to fill the vacancy, 24-year-old guard A.J. Lawson is viewed as the leading candidate after a strong Summer League showing and a 4.0-point preseason average in limited minutes.
Pistons Bring In Jaden Akins
DETROIT — The Pistons have signed former Michigan State guard Jaden Akins to an Exhibit 10 deal, according to Keith Smith of Spotrac. The contract gives Akins an opportunity to earn a bonus of up to $85,300 if he spends 60 days with the club’s G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise.
Akins, 22, averaged 12.8 points and 3.5 rebounds as a senior for the Spartans, securing All-Big Ten and All-Defensive honors. He also appeared in four Summer League games for Orlando, posting 5.8 points and 1.8 steals per contest. Detroit continues to use training camp to identify long-term developmental pieces as coach J.B. Bickerstaff looks to build depth and establish an identity.
Source: Hoops Wire
