Bam Adebayo shouts Norman Powell’s All-Star nod after 2025 slander
MIAMI – S Miami Heat star Norman Powell makes a case throughout his All-Star year, his wish finally came true as he was selected as an Eastern Conference reserve. As the basketball world reacts to the news, as the Houston Rockets point guard and former teammate Fred VanVleet yells Heat starcurrent teammates such as Bam Adebayo gave their props.
The news of Powell being an All-Star broke during Miami’s emphatic 134-91 win over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, and even the team acknowledged the news to the crowd. This is the 32-year-old’s first All-Star honor, and he has repeatedly said he has been striving for the honor throughout his career.
Some might say Powell was underrated last season when he was with the Los Angeles Clippers, lifting the team when they were plagued by injuries, as he averaged 24 points per game when the reserves were announced last year. He would be a top 10 voter for Western Conference guards, as he agrees Powell was dismissed last season by Adebayo, who said he deserved the honor.
“Norm’s been battling a lot of injuries, he’s still pushing and trying to be something he’s never done before,” three-time All-Star Adebayo said after posting 20 points and nine rebounds against the Bulls. “You know, we felt like he was slighted last year, and for him to finally get that nod, you know, you’re happy for somebody like that, because he’s put so much effort into his craft and he deserves it.”
Bam Adebayo on Norman Powell being an All-Star for the first time:
“Norm’s battled through a lot of injuries and he’s still pushing… We felt like he got knocked down last year and for him to finally get that nod, you’re lucky to have someone like that…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/uTPJ1G2iTP
— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) February 2, 2026
The warmth Erik Spoelstra on Norman Powell’s inspirational journey

While it is The Heat star in Powell has spoken out about wanting to become an All-Star before that, it must be a relieving and satisfying announcement for the guard who led Miami by averaging 23 points per game on 47.2 percent shooting from the field.
Shooting 39.2 percent from three-point range, he helped the team sustain the offense alongside Bam Adebayo in the continued absence of Tyler Hero.
As Spoelstra said before the announcement that Powell deserved the honor, ClutchPoints will chime in after it is confirmed.
“I think it’s great,” Spoelstra said. “I think it’s great that he’s been able to continue to improve every year as a pro. That should be an inspiration to other guys, that you don’t have to be labeled at 24, ‘you can only improve the first three years of your NBA career,’ that’s not true.”
“We were thrilled to have him, and he was thrilled to be a part of this culture, and it was perfect to see him recognized for that,” Spoelstra continued.
After Erik Spoelstra couldn’t believe I had another question (lol), I had to go on about Norman Powell being an All-Star:
“It should be inspirational… You don’t need to be labeled at 24 ‘you can only improve the first 3 years of your career..’ That’s not true…” #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/0MKNL5nOAe
— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) February 2, 2026
Powell was also a veteran on the team, with players such as Pele Larson and Jaime Jaquez Jr. they share how “super happy” they are for Powell. Larsson especially the video jump in his sophomore year, featured in Sunday’s win, he scored 20 points with four rebounds and four assists.
“I’m happy for him. Well deserved,” said Jaquez after 14 points and five rebounds. “He came in here, he made his presence felt both on and off the field.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. speaks after the Heat’s 43-point win over the Bulls.
Talked about how everyone was collectively bought after yesterday’s loss.
He was also asked about Norman Powell being an All-Star, how “super happy” he is. #HeatNation pic.twitter.com/ncICKSNcFiI
— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) February 2, 2026
Pele Larson’s full thoughts on the Heat’s 43-point win, plus he asked about his voice being louder in the locker room and Norman Powell being an All-Star. #Heatnation pic.twitter.com/ZK8ChVldNd
— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) February 2, 2026
Powell has missed the last two games for “personal reasons,” with his next opportunity to return Tuesday against the Atlanta Hawks.
2026-02-02 03:54:00







