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Kel'el Ware · One of the beauties of the NBA’s season-by-season award race is that, for perceived “frontrunners,” it sometimes only takes a magical month for a once-uncrowned challenger to announce entry into the race. Assuming the message could be heard over one of his rim-bending jams, Kel’el Ware, some might say, used an eye-opening January stretch to introduce himself to the Rookie of the Year conversation. A force to be reckoned with during his first-ever start, the Miami Heat’s multifaceted center settles into a triple-threat stance above the 3-point break, ultimately thinking better of a perimeter attempt. Ambitious in his rim-run after electing to handoff-and-roll, Ware parlays the free path into a ferocious, one-handed opening-quarter jam. The Portland Trail Blazers would prevail on January 21, 2025, but for 2024’s No. 15 pick, the results spoke for themselves. Ultimately leading all rookies in points (208) and rebounds (111) in January, Ware enjoyed a high point against Portland, tallying 20 points, 15 rebounds, two blocks, and two trifectas. · State of Mint · State of Mint