Norman Powell is headed back to familiar territory - and this time, he's doing it as an NBA All-Star.
The Miami Heat guard has officially been added to Team World for the upcoming 2026 NBA All-Star Game, just days before the league’s new-look format tips off in Inglewood, California. The move comes after Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox was named to Team USA as a replacement for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s out with a calf injury. Fox’s promotion opened up a spot on Team World, and Powell got the call.
It’s a well-earned nod for Powell, who’s enjoying one of the best seasons of his career at age 31. He’s averaging 23.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting a hyper-efficient 47.4% from the field, 39.6% from deep, and 84.3% from the free throw line. That kind of production - especially as a wing scorer - is hard to ignore, and the league clearly took notice.
Powell’s selection also carries some full-circle energy. The 2026 All-Star festivities are being held at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, the brand-new home of the Los Angeles Clippers - Powell’s team for three-and-a-half seasons before he was traded to Miami last July. Now, he returns not just as a visitor, but as an All-Star, wearing the jersey of Team World and representing Jamaica, the nation he suited up for during the FIBA World Cup qualifiers last summer.
This year’s All-Star format is getting a major shake-up. Instead of the traditional East vs.
West or the recent Team LeBron vs. Team Giannis-style drafts, the NBA is rolling out a three-team tournament: **Team USA (2 squads) vs.
Team World**. The event will feature a round-robin format, culminating in a championship game.
It all tips off on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. EST.
Powell will be the lone representative for the Heat at All-Star weekend, but he won’t be short on star-studded company. He joins a loaded Team World roster featuring Victor Wembanyama (France), Luka Doncic (Slovenia), and Jamal Murray (Canada) - a trio that brings size, skill, and international flair to the event.
For Powell, this All-Star berth is more than just a personal milestone - it's a recognition of his growth, his consistency, and his ability to shine on any stage. From his early days as a second-round pick to carving out a key role in Miami, Powell has always been a grinder. Now, he gets to showcase his game under the brightest lights, back in a city he once called home.