Norman Powell is set to make his first All-Star appearance this Sunday as a member of the Miami Heat. After joining the league in 2015 and experiencing multiple trades throughout his career, Powell is eager to establish a deeper connection with Miami, especially as he heads into unrestricted free agency after the season. In an interview with Anthony Chiang from the Miami Herald, Powell expressed his hope for a future with the Heat, stating, “Hopefully there’s some good synergy from what they’ve seen that I bring to the table… I see myself being here and being a part of the Heat organization for however long they’ll have me.”
Currently in the last year of a five-year, $90 million contract with Portland, Powell is enjoying a standout season. He leads the team with an impressive average of 23 points, along with 3.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. His shooting percentages are notable as well, hitting 47.4% from the field and 39.6% from beyond the arc, marking a career-high scoring average.
Powell has expressed a strong desire to remain with the Heat, emphasizing the organization’s positive atmosphere. “This is definitely a place that I want to be,” he remarked. “It’s been nothing but great… I love where I’m at. I love the setup. I love the mentality.” His words highlight a seamless transition into Miami, where he feels a shared commitment to success with his teammates.
Interestingly, Powell’s pathway to the All-Star game has had its share of twists. This week, he was traded in an unexpected manner from the USA Stripes team in the three-team All-Star event to the World Team due to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury. Powell, who felt overlooked last season while averaging a career-best 21.8 points with the Clippers before being traded to Miami, sees this All-Star selection as a rewarding milestone.
“It’s a nice little Easter egg to the story of my career,” Powell reflected, noting the irony of competing at the Intuit Dome, the Clippers’ new home, shortly after his trade. He will also participate in the Three-Point Contest, adding another exciting layer to his All-Star weekend. Powell’s journey reflects resilience and dedication, showcasing his hope for a bright future with the Heat while making his mark on the league this season.