East Notes: Heat, Kel’el Ware, Raptors, roster, Pistons

Heat

Second-year big man Kel’el Ware followed up a challenge from coach Erik Spoelstra with his strongest performance of the preseason. And it sounds like both sides got what they wanted.

After Ware posted a double-double earlier in the week, Spoelstra downplayed the numbers and instead called for more physicality and presence. Ware took that message to heart.

Two nights later, he responded with 29 points and 12 rebounds, helping Miami outscore San Antonio by 10 during his minutes on the floor.

“I always take anything Spo says to me as motivation,” Ware said, via Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “I take it, try to impact it in my game, and play as hard as I can.”

Spoelstra praised his response, pointing to improved pick-and-roll coverage, rim protection, rebounding, and overall energy.

“He put a lot of it together,” the coach said. “My favorite play was when he had an opportunity to shoot a three at the top of the key and he just drove it so hard.”

Spoelstra’s message has been consistent: Miami doesn’t need Ware to fill the box score — they need him to impose his will.

Raptors

Toronto is still deciding whether to carry a full 15-man roster. With 14 players on guaranteed deals, coach Darko Rajakovic said the team is weighing its options ahead of opening night.

If they do fill the final spot, A.J. Lawson appears to be the frontrunner. The 24-year-old guard impressed in Summer League and has averaged 4.0 points in limited preseason action.

Pistons

The Pistons have signed former Michigan State standout Jaden Akins to an Exhibit 10 contract, per Spotrac’s Keith Smith.

The deal allows Akins to earn up to $85,300 in bonus money if he spends 60 days with Detroit’s G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise.

Akins, 22, averaged 12.8 points and 3.5 rebounds as a senior for the Spartans, earning All-Big Ten and All-Defensive honors.

He also suited up for Orlando’s Summer League team, where he averaged 5.8 points and 1.8 steals in four games.

Detroit continues to use camp to identify long-term developmental pieces as coach J.B. Bickerstaff looks to build out depth and identity.