Norman Powell Eyes Major Role in First Season with Heat

Norman Powell is preparing for his first season with the Miami Heat. He joined the franchise via a three-team trade that saw Kyle Anderson and Kevin Love leave Miami as a result.

During a recent appearance on Sirius XM NBA Radio, Powell discussed the opportunity he has with the Heat next season.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity that’s in front of me,” Powell said. “I think it’s a clear opportunity that I’ve been fighting for and talking about. I talked about all last year about having the opportunity to be a focal point every single night, not just a high-value contributing role player, but really seeing myself and stepping into a role that I’ve always wanted.” 

Powell will likely be one of the Heat’s primary offensive options. He will slot into the starting rotation alongside Tyler Herro, who has assumed a much larger role within Erik Spoelstra’s offense following the departure of Jimmy Butler around the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

At 32 years old, Powell knows what the NBA grind entails. Therefore, he appears to be under no illusion of the task in front of him. However, he appears to be remaining confident in the Heat’s chances of being a high-level team next season.

“I think we just have a great group of guys balanced through ages and championship (experience) between me and Wiggins,” Powell said. “Being able to come in and have that veteran experience. I think it’s a full opportunity of what I’ve been asking for my whole career. I know it’s going to be ups and downs. There’s going to be good days, bad days…I’m just looking forward to the opportunity of being a top team to contend with and make a deep playoff run.”

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Heat’s Powell is Acclimating to Life in Florida

Powell has been working out with the Jamaican national team in recent days. Practices are being held in Boca Raton, Florida. When speaking with Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald, Powell shared how being in Boca Raton is helping him get a head start on the acclimation process following his trade to the Heat.

“It’s getting me acclimated,” Powell said. “It has been amazing to be welcomed here…Being here in South Florida, checking into the hotel, people already know who I am and welcome me and are excited about me being on the Heat.”

Powell continued.

“It’s been amazing…Being traded to the Heat, being so close to where I’ll be playing, and being able to go down there and go to the facility, look for a place to stay. … It’s definitely cool.”

Nevertheless, Powell’s primary acclimation process will come during training camp and preseason. He must begin developing some chemistry with his new teammates ahead of the new season.

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Dwyane Wade Pleased With Heat’s Addition of Powell

During a recent episode of his “Time Out with Dwyane Wade” podcast, Dwyane Wade praised his former team for the addition of Powell.

“At this point of Norman Powell’s career, Miami is the perfect place for him to get to that level that he was on the cusp of,” Wade said. “That All-Star level, being one of the best players. Like he said, once Paul George left, it opened up the opportunities more for him and he shined.”

Wade continued.

“Just a great competitor out there on the floor. That’s what Miami loves — Miami loves competitors, and Norman Powell is that. That’s another step in the direction that you want to see Miami turn to get this thing back on track.”

Powell had an impressive 2024-25 season with the LA Clippers. Now, the hope will be that he can carry that over into his debut campaign with the Heat. And while he’ll likely have a different role to what he did under Ty Lue, there’s every reason to believe that he will thrive in his new surroundings. Whether that will be enough to move the needle for Miami, will remain to be seen.

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