"Better than Bam Adebayo" - NBA fans rally behind Heat's Kel’el Ware leapfrogging Stephon Castle for Rookie of the Year odds

Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware has emerged as the new favorite to win the NBA Rookie of the Year award, according to sportsbook platform Bovada. With the latest odds making him the top contender, fans have rallied behind Ware, supporting him over San Antonio Spurs' Stephon Castle.

The No. 15 NBA draft pick's rise has been astronomical, as his odds currently stand at +150. This rise has led to calls from fans with one boldly tweeting that he is better than Heat starting center Bam Adebayo.

"Better than “Bam Adebayo.”

The support was noticeable among fans.

"Kel'el Ware is a fantastic basketball player," a fan tweeted.

"sheesh he was out of the rotation only a couple weeks ago and now he’s the ROTY favorite. Dude is a beast," a fan added.

"@KelelWare deserves it and is earning it. I hope he wins," a fan commented.

Other fans praised his rise to the top of the rankings.

"Bro really started the year on the bench," a fan mentioned.

"Watched him last night! He nice!"another fan tweeted.

Kel'el Ware, in the last three games for the Heat, has recorded consecutive 20-points, averaging 22.3 points and 11 rebounds. His last game for the Heat was the 125-96 loss against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. Despite the loss, he recorded 222 points, 10 rebounds, one steal and two blocks.

The other contenders for the awards are Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr (+350) and Memphis Grizzlies wing Jaylen Wells (+400).

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What's next for the Miami Heat and Kel'el Ware?

The Miami Heat are struggling and have won just once in six games, the 128-107 home win against the San Antonio Spurs on Jan. 19. They sit ninth on the Eastern Conference standings with a 21-22 record.

Kel'el Ware has started the last two games for Miami. He has struck a great partnership with Bam Adebayo. Coach Erik Spoelstra spoke about his efforts alongside Bam Adebayo.

“It’s such a small sample size, but obviously they’re both dynamic defensively…I think we’re at a point where I’ll start to do that if I feel like it’ll help…”

He is averaging 8.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 0.5 assists and steals and 1.0 blocks. Next for the organization is a road trip to face the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday.