“Nobody Wants to Deal With That Sh*t”: Ex-NBA Star Uses Norman Powell’s ‘Body Fat’ Example to Torch Heat Front Office Over Botched Superstar Pursuits

Landing superstars in the free agent market has been scarce for the Miami Heat since the days when they signed LeBron James, and Chris Bosh to form a big three with Dwyane Wade early in the 2010s. Considering the favorable climate and a proven front office, former NBA player Austin Rivers finds it appalling that the Heat has been fumbling superstar signings in recent years.

In a lengthy rant, Rivers said that he does not understand why the Heat are netting stars in free agency anymore, saying that the team has geographical advantages and a winning culture. He also cited Norman Powell's story of the team getting his body fat percentages when he signed with the Heat.

“Don’t get me started on Miami. Their free agent market and how they don’t get anybody just blows my mind," Rivers said. "I don’t understand the Miami thing for the life of me. What the f**k are you all doing? Why don’t y'all have seven stars there?" "Who doesn’t want to live and play in Miami? You hear Norman Powell the other day ‘body fat Friday’. Nobody wants to deal with that sh*t,” he added.

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The Heat has been known for taking players' body fat on a weekly basis. This is often regarded as part of the team's Heat culture.

Recently, Powell addressed this, recalling the time when the team took his body fat percentage twice in four days because of the front office's demand.

Some players' accounts said that the test was to ensure that all players on the roster are in shape and are generally under 10 percent body fat throughout the season.

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Norman Powell explains how Heat culture pushed him to be the best version of himself

The Heat may have been harsh in its team culture, but for Norman Powell, it is only a part of the commitment to being in an organization that always pushes its players to become the best.

“I think what the organization stands for, like they’re going to push you to be your best," he said. "They’re going to push you past your own expectation that you have for yourself to a certain standard. Everything they do has a purpose and a meaning behind it, and it’s always to make you the best version of yourself."

This year, Powell has been the team's leading scorer, averaging 24.1 points per game for the currently seventh-seeded Heat with a 15-13 record.

Powell last played for the LA Clippers before being shipping to Miami via a three-team deal in the offseason.

Edited by Rob Andrew Lo