Miami Heat guard Norman Powell used one word to describe his first season in South Beach.
“Interesting.”
Powell, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this Summer, spoke to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald about his future with the Heat.
This season was capped off by some of the highest highs of Powell’s career. He was named an All-Star for the first time in his career, averaging 21.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
However, his role in the rotation decreased as the season went on, culminating in playing just 19 minutes during the Heat’s loss to the Charlotte Hornets in the play-in tournament.
“I’m going to talk to my agent and see what it is,” Powell told Chiang. “That’s a bigger conversation and he’s the one talking to the front office. I’ve enjoyed my time here. My family has enjoyed their time here. I’ve had great relationships with the staff and people in the organization.”
“But as a free agent, you’ve been here before,” Powell continued. “So you just have to look at what the best option is for you and your family and make a decision off that. I love Miami, I love the organization and it was just an interesting season.
Will the Miami Heat Give Norman Powell an Extension?
GettyIt’s likely the Miami Heat will opt not to sign Norman Powell to an extension this offseason.
The Miami Heat have a major decision to make in the offseason — will they become buyers or sellers?
If the Heat try to “run it back” for another season, it could make sense to bring Powell back. Before the All-Star break, Powell was the Heat’s best scorer and a large part of the team’s success.
On the other hand, Powell struggled after the break, his scoring dropped off and his defense played a large role in the Heat’s defensive rating dropping in March and April.
It seems unlikely the Heat will give Powell an extension, especially considering the team has been linked to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokoumpo and Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard.
“They have to make decisions and things based on the team and where they want to be and what they want to do next year,” Powell told Anthony Chiang. “Hopefully I’m a part of the plan. And if I am, great. Like I said, I like my time here. So we’ll just see where they’re at, where my agent is at, and what’s going on in free agency.”
The Miami Heat Found Success Without Norman Powell
GettyDespite his ability to score, the Miami Heat found success without Norman Powell on the court at times this season.
There’s no denying Norman Powell’s offensive impact on the Miami Heat this season, but some of the advanced statistics suggests the Heat were at times worse with Powell on the court.
He ended the season with a plus/minus of +38, which ranked ninth on the team. The Heat’s defensive rating was also higher with Powell off the court.
Miami went 14-10 without Powell this season, compared to 29-29 when he suited up. Some of these disparities can be chalked up to Powell and Herro sharing the court.
When they both played at the same time, the Heat were outscored 6.9 points per 100 possesions, according to Anthony Chiang.
Norman Powell’s Future With the Miami Heat is in Limbo