ESPN reports that Kel’el Ware, a former player for Indiana University, experienced a modest uptick in his potential selection placement in the NBA draft after participating in the combine. Standing at 7 feet tall, Ware, who garnered All-Big Ten second-team recognition during his time with the Hoosiers, has climbed two positions in the latest draft projections unveiled by ESPN.
Initially pegged as the 27th pick for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Ware’s trajectory has now shifted to the 25th spot, potentially landing him with the New York Knicks, according to the most recent mock draft by Jonathan Givony.
Givony highlights the Knicks’ depth across various positions and their capacity to invest in long-term prospects, noting Ware’s physical prowess, including his size, length, mobility, floor-stretching ability, and shot-blocking potential.
Givony suggests that Ware could thrive under the demanding style of Knicks’ head coach Tom Thibodeau if he embraces toughness and intensity. Factors contributing to Ware’s rise in stock may include his conditioning regimen, agility training, and anthropometric measurements recorded during the combine.
Anthropometric testing results
Hand length (inches): 9.5
Hand width (inches): 10.25
Height w/o shoes: 6’11.75″
Standing reach: 9’4.50″
Weight: 230 lbs
Wingspan: 7’4.50″
Strength and agility
Lane agility time (seconds): 10.97
Shuttle run (seconds): 2.91
Three-quarter spring (seconds): 3.29
Standing vertical (inches): 32.5
Max vertical leap (inches): 36.0
The 2024 NBA draft spans two evenings towards the end of June at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The initial round is slated for Wednesday, June 26th, followed by the second round on Thursday, June 27th.
