Norman Powell subtly took a shot at the Clippers detailing that they are in Heat form

Norman Powell is is enjoying the most productive stretch of his NBA careerand the veteran guard recently shed light on the main reason why – while also taking what many interpret as a a subtle jab at his former teamthe Los Angeles Clippers.

Appearing on a recent episode of The Old Man and The Three podcast, Powell spoke about the demanding conditioning program he faced upon arriving at Miami Heat after an offseason trade. His remarks highlighted the stark contrast in expectations between Miami and his previous stops, particularly looking back on his time in Los Angeles.

“I was running and oh my God,” Powell said. “I’m telling you, I’ve been in practice after I got traded and came back to America. Man, like every single practice, like we even planned conditioning days. Like this is nothing I’ve done before in previous summers.”

Powell emphasized that his regular offseason workouts, which previously included full-court drills and five-on-five scrimmages, did not fully prepare him for the physical demands of the Heat’s system.

“This was a run, like a run,” he added. “So I took my damn test and then I don’t know if it was the preseason or like one of the first five game starts and they were talking about my form. And I was like, I’m in great shape for the Clippers, okay. Give me some time, I’m in great shape. I’m back like this, they’d be excited about what I’ve done this summer. shape.”

Norman Powell is thriving in the Heat culture after parting ways with the Clippers

The comments offered insight into the cultural and coaching standards that have long defined Miami’s franchise identity under team president Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelster. Powell’s line — “I’m in great shape for the Clippers” — resonated as a light-hearted, yet poignant critique of the varying levels of conditioning expectations between the two organizations.

Powell, 32, was traded to Miami last offseason in a three-team deal which also included the Utah Jazz. The The Heat acquired Powell, while the Clippers received forward John Collins from Utah. In return, the Jazz received Kyle Anderson, Kevin Love and a 2027 second-round pick from the Clippers.

Since arriving in Miami, Powell has emerged as a vital part of the Heat’s offense. Through 17 games, he averaged a season-high 25 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He is shooting an efficient 50.9% from the field, 45.8% from three-point range and 88.3% from the free throw line. His production helped Miami to a 14–8 record, placing them in fourth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Heat prepare to open a short road trip that begins Friday night against the Orlando Magic (13–9) at 7:00 PM ET. Powell is expected to continue to play a prominent role as Miami looks to maintain its place near the top of the conference.

For Powell, the adjustment to “heat shape” may have been intense, but the early return indicates it’s paying off — both for him and for Miami. Meanwhile, his former team continues to struggle, fueling speculation that the Clippers may have let go of one of their most reliable scoring threats.