Fred VanVleet’s message to NBA All-Star Norman Powell
Reserves for next month’s NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles were announced on Sunday, inclusive Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant. Meanwhile, he is among the first Miami Heat guard Norman Powell.
Powell was on a tear in his first season with the Heat, averaging career highs of 23.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals in a game against the Chicago Bulls.
His former teammate, the Rockets guard Fred VanVleet, couldn’t be more excited for his selection in the midseason classic.
“Nharness! deservedly @Jigga2cal. One of the hardest workers I am ever seen” wrote VanVleet on Ks.
VanVleet and Powell played together for several years with the Toronto Raptors, winning a championship in 2019. They developed a strong bond as teammates, and it’s clear they’ve remained strong despite now being on different teams.
Powell was traded by Toronto to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2021 for Gary Trent Jr. and Rodney Hood, while VanVleet signed a contract with the Rockets in 2023 as a free agent.
Their careers mirror each other’s as they both worked their way up the ladder, including playing in the G League. Powell was a second-round pick, while VanVleet went undrafted.
VanVleet was named a 2022 All-Star.
He is set to miss the entire season with an ACL injury. He re-signed with Houston on a two-year, $50 million deal in June.
In addition to Powell, other All-Star Game first-timers include Trail Blazers forward Danny Avdia, Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren, Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, Atlanta Hawks forward Jaylen Johnson and Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren.
2026-02-02 01:33:00
