Erik Spoelstra manifested Norman Powell's first-time All-Star selection

Most players who are playing in their 11th seasons are usually on the tail end of their careers. That is not the case for Miami Heat guard Norman Powell because he just earned his first-ever All-Star nod. 

This was a well-deserved distinction for the 32-year-old, as many people believed he deserved the nod. This included Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, who was quite vocal about Powell hours before the announcement.

Spoelstra believes Powell deserves the All-Star nod

Spoelstra is always supportive when it comes to his players. Considering Powell has been the Heat's best player this season, everyone knew he deserved at least a mention in the All-Star conversations.

After he had a superb campaign for the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2024-25 season, Powell got even better when he moved to Miami.

MORE: Norman Powell continues to generate All-Star hype amid debut campaign with the Heat

Since Tyler Herro has been sidelined with injuries and Bam Adebayo is not meeting expectations, somebody had to step up. Powell is that player, as he has cemented himself as one of the top players in recent Heat history.

That was enough for Spoelstra to campaign for his starting shooting guard, as Powell has become a true All-Star-level player. 

"I believe that he deserves it, and I think the best compliment you can give him is that he has starred in all his roles during his career. He continues to get better," Spoelstra said about Powell's All-Star charge.

"He reinvented himself as a starter with the Clippers, and now I feel as an All-Star as a starter for us."

As the Heat continue to progress through the 2025-26 season, they can see that they have a good team. Now that Powell is on the team, they have three All-Star-level talents on the roster.

If they can keep themselves in the hunt for a postseason spot, most teams in the Eastern Conference should be wary of the Heat's potential. They have the star power and fire power when they are in good form, which should instill some fear into their opponents.

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