Kel’el Ware Zeros In on Strength: “It’s Still Getting Stronger” as Top Offseason Priority
As NBA offseason training ramps up, Indiana big man Kel’el Ware isn’t mincing words about his mission: “Getting stronger. It’s still getting stronger.”
After a promising rookie season that showcased his elite length, shot-blocking instincts, and soft shooting touch, Ware knows the next step in his development won’t come from refining skills alone—it starts in the weight room.
The former Oregon and Indiana standout has always possessed eye-popping physical tools. At 7 feet tall with a smooth stroke from mid-range and beyond, Ware presents matchup nightmares on both ends. But the NBA’s physicality is relentless, and Ware admits he felt it.
“Night in and night out, you feel the difference. The guys who’ve been in the league, the vets—they know how to use their strength. That’s where I’m trying to get,” Ware said in a recent offseason interview.
Scouts and coaches have echoed that sentiment, often praising his fluidity and upside but noting the need for a sturdier frame to anchor the post, fight through contact, and set more effective screens. Ware has already begun working with team performance staff to add muscle mass and increase core stability without sacrificing agility.
His focus on physical development signals a maturity and commitment that coaches love to see in a young player.
With the Pacers looking to build around a dynamic young core and push deeper into the Eastern Conference standings next season, Ware’s growth could be a critical X-factor.
“I’ve got the tools,” he said. “Now I just need the power to match.”
If Kel’el Ware transforms his body the way he intends, the rest of the league better be ready. A stronger, more confident Ware could be a breakout star in 2025.
