Norman Powell Making a Strong All-Star Case in Breakout Season with Heat
MIAMI - The Miami Heat are in a bit of a grind right now, coming off a tough loss to the Chicago Bulls. But one of the biggest storylines surrounding the team this weekend isn’t just about the standings - it’s about Norman Powell, who missed Saturday’s game due to personal reasons. And while Tyler Herro continues to sit out (he’ll miss his 40th game on Sunday), Powell’s absence was felt in a big way.
Powell has been a lifeline for Miami’s offense this season - a steady, explosive presence who’s stepped up in Herro’s absence and made a legitimate All-Star push in the process.
Asked Erik Spoelstra about the reserves being announced in under a few hours and the chances of Norman Powell getting in.
— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) February 1, 2026
“I believe that he deserves it…reinvented himself as a starter with the Clippers and now I feel as an All-Star as a starter for us…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/oqkZiH2Mw6
The All-Star reserves are set to be announced soon, and there’s a real shot Powell hears his name called. He’s been that good.
In fact, this is shaping up to be the best season of his career - and it’s coming in his first year with the Heat, after nearly cracking the Western Conference All-Star roster last year with the Clippers. That time, he earned enough fan votes to land in the top 10 among guards, but didn’t make the final cut.
This time around, the buzz is louder - and the numbers back it up. So does Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra.
“I believe that he deserves it,” Spoelstra said. “One of the best compliments you can give him is the fact that he starred in all of his roles that he's had in his career. He just continues to get better, and he's having his best years after the age of 30; that's a credit to his work ethic and his dedication to the craft.”
Spoelstra didn’t stop there. He traced Powell’s evolution from a deep bench piece in Toronto to a sixth man, then a starter with the Clippers, and now, a legitimate All-Star-level starter in Miami. That kind of career arc doesn’t happen without serious commitment - and Powell’s been grinding every step of the way.
For Powell, this isn’t just a hot streak - it’s the culmination of a goal he’s been chasing for years. After a 34-point outburst against the Pelicans on January 4, he made it clear: this is the year he believes he’s earned it.
“I think so, I think I definitely have made the case,” Powell said. “Learned last year not to get caught up in whether I make it or not.
I want to make it, I think I deserve to make it. My peers in the league after games are telling me that I'm an All-Star, and I should be there.”
That last part matters. When your peers - the guys who have to guard you - start calling you an All-Star, that’s real validation. Powell’s not just getting praise from teammates or fans; he’s getting respect from across the league.
Norman Powell on if he believes he’s an All-Star this season.
— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) January 5, 2026
“I think I definitely have made the case….i think I deserve to make it, my peers in the league after games, telling me that I’m an All-Star…so hopefully it happens for me this year…”
Full response: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/urqPabqyzU
He knows the decision is out of his hands, but that hasn’t stopped him from putting in the work and letting his game do the talking.
“Hopefully it happens for me this year,” Powell added. “But for me, the goal is to go out there and win and showcase all my hard work and leave it up to the fans, the coaches that make those decisions.
But I do believe that I am an All-Star. I've always seen myself as that, and something that I've always wanted to work towards in my career.”
That belief isn’t just internal. Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle didn’t hesitate when asked about Powell’s candidacy.
Rick Carlisle says he is voting for Norman Powell to be an All Star this year
— Heat Central (@HeatCulture13) January 11, 2026
“Norman Powell is such an important player for them… Powell to me is an All Star this year, he’ll get a vote from me. I have no problem saying it publicly. He’s been really tremendous this year for… pic.twitter.com/fa8SxX0nTf
“Norman Powell is such an important player for them,” Carlisle said. “Powell to me is an All-Star this year; he’ll get a vote from me.
I have no problem saying it publicly. He’s been really tremendous this year for them.”
That kind of endorsement from a veteran coach like Carlisle speaks volumes.
Whether or not Powell gets the official nod, one thing is clear: he’s earned the conversation. He’s been a stabilizing force for a Heat team that’s battled injuries and inconsistency. And at 32, he’s not just hanging on - he’s playing the best basketball of his career.
Now, all that’s left is to see if the league rewards the work.