Heat’s Norman Powell Gets Real on Acclimation Process

Norman Powell is the latest member of the Miami Heat‘s roster. He joined the franchise as part of a three-team trade that saw the franchise part with Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson.

In recent days, Powell has been working out with the Jamaican national team, with practices being held in Boca Raton, Florida. The location of his workouts is giving Powell an opportunity to acclimate to his new surroundings.

During a recent discussion with Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald, Powell explained why he’s happy to be getting a head start on adjusting to life near his new base of Miami.

“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.”

Powell will likely be a key member of Erik Spoelstra’s rotation next season. His defense, perimeter scoring, and ability to pressure the rim will all be key aspects of Miami’s offensive system.

Powell Unlikely To Move The Needle For Heat

During a recent appearance on “The All NBA” podcast, ESPN’s Tim Legler explained why he doesn’t believe Powell will be a needle-moving addition for the Heat.

“He’s going to bring something to their team because he had his best year of his career offensively,” Legler said. “He’s always been a guy who plays hard defensively. I guess on that alone, maybe you think there’s an uptick because they were at 37 last year. They add Norman Powell, so you think 38.5 should do it. You know what it is for me? I think I’m just a little bit bored with the Heat.”

Legler continued.

“I’m going to go under, and I will probably be wrong on that because they won 37 and they added Norman Powell,” Legler continued. “That alone should be enough, and Kel’el Ware had a very good rookie year. Maybe he just comes out of the gate like a monster.”

Powell will undoubtedly add to the Heat’s offensive options. However, he isn’t the sort of star-level talent that will drive the franchise forward. After all, Miami is still adjusting to Jimmy Butler‘s exit earlier this year.

Dwyane Wade Stamps Heat’s Powell Addition

During a recent episode of his “Time Out with Dwyane Wade” podcast, the Heat legend shared his thoughts on his former team’s latest addition.

“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 enjoyed a stellar season for the LA Clippers during the 2024-25 campaign. In 60 games, he averaged 21.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists. He shot 48.4% from the field and 41.8% from deep.

Miami will undoubtedly be hoping he can have a similar impact for Spoelstra’s rotation. Because if he does, he could force his way onto the first All-Star team of his career. And if there’s one thing the Heat covets, it’s additional All-Star talent.