Norman Powell’s All-Star Nod Caps a Milestone Moment - But He’s Far From Finished
MIAMI - The Miami Heat didn’t make a splash at the trade deadline, despite reported interest in superstar names like Giannis Antetokounmpo. Instead, they doubled down on the roster they’ve built - a team that’s been up and down this season but still has the pieces to make a push. At the center of it all is Norman Powell, the Heat’s lone All-Star and a player who’s not just having a career year - he’s finally getting the recognition he’s long believed he deserved.
Powell, now 32, has been the engine of Miami’s offense this season, averaging 23 points per game while shooting an efficient 47.2% from the field and 39.2% from deep. Those aren’t just All-Star numbers - they’re the kind of numbers that demand attention, especially from a player who’s spent much of his career flying under the radar.
After practice on Thursday, Powell opened up about what the All-Star selection means to him - and it’s clear this isn’t just another accolade. It’s personal.
“Just a milestone that I accomplished that I set out as a kid,” Powell said. “I always wanted to be at that stage. I think it’s a testament of my hard work, my commitment to the game, my continued belief in myself at the level of player that I can be and continue to strive to be.”
This moment has been a long time coming. Powell’s been vocal in the past about wanting to be an All-Star, and last year with the Clippers, there was real buzz that he’d earned a spot - only to be left out.
That snub clearly stuck with him. So to finally get the nod in Miami, in a season where he’s stepped into a leadership role on a team trying to find its footing, makes the recognition even sweeter.
But Powell was quick to share the credit. “I wouldn't be able to be in a position if it wasn't for the organization, for the team, my teammates allowed me to come in here as a new player in the system, and accepting me for who I am, and allowing me to be me.”
And the good news didn’t stop there. Powell also recently welcomed a new child, announcing the birth on Instagram. He had missed the last three games due to personal reasons, but returned to practice Thursday and is expected to suit up for Miami’s next game against the Boston Celtics.
While Powell’s on-court production speaks for itself, his impact goes beyond the box score. With Miami hovering just above .500 and trying to avoid another trip through the play-in gauntlet, Powell knows the Heat need more than just scoring - they need stability. And that’s where his leadership comes in.
“It's not always about coming back in and affecting [the game] with my ability, but in a leadership role,” he said. “When you're able to watch the games, and you're not in it, you're able to see certain things that we're missing as a team, or things that we can clean up and get better at.”
That perspective is especially valuable for a team that’s been hit hard by injuries and inconsistency. Tyler Herro has missed over 40 games.
Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell have also been in and out of the lineup. For Miami, continuity has been elusive.
Norman Powell back with the Heat as he speaks for the first time to the media about being a first time All-Star and how “meaningful” it is.
— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) February 5, 2026
In second vid, spoke about how he watched the announcement with some family and friends on zoom. #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/zNIIuKU12U
Powell’s return - both physically and vocally - could be the jolt the Heat need to steady the ship.
He’s also not shying away from the outside noise. “I know people are saying different things in the media about where we're at with teams and stuff,” Powell said.
Asked Norman Powell if it was a full circle moment for him to continuously talking about wanting to be an All-Star to finally being one.
— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) February 5, 2026
Would harken back to people that “blasted” him for talking like that, spoke more on the accomplishment. #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/6sf46ACw7O
“That we've lost to games that we should have won, but that doesn't matter now. It's all about locking back in and getting this thing right.”
That’s the tone you want from your All-Star - not content with the recognition, but focused on the bigger picture. The Heat have ground to make up, and Powell knows the margin for error is shrinking fast.
Asked Norman Powell about the motivation he has now being an All-Star and wanting to turn around the team.
— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) February 5, 2026
Says besides coming in and impacting the game on the floor, wants to continue to provide a leadership role.
More below: #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/cOePEh6Yl0
“These games have a little extra meaning to it,” he added. “So getting this team back into the belief and the confidence of it, individually and collectively, and going out there and putting on a good brand of basketball going forward.”
Thursday night’s matchup against the Celtics is a big one - not just because of the opponent, but because it’s a chance for Powell to remind everyone why he’s earned that All-Star jersey. He’s not just having a moment.
He’s building something bigger. And the Heat, for all their ups and downs, are still in the fight.