Heat's Norman Powell Reflects on 'A-Plus' All-Star Experience

Powell shifting focus back to leading Heat turnaround after first All-Star nod.

Feb. 17, 2026 at 1:47pm

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Miami Heat guard Norman Powell had an 'A-plus' experience at his first NBA All-Star weekend, representing Jamaica in Team World and competing in the Three-Point Contest. Now, Powell is shifting his focus back to helping the Heat, who are 29-27 and eighth in the Eastern Conference, turn around their season.

Why it matters

Powell's All-Star selection is a milestone in his career, and his leadership will be crucial as the Heat look to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference playoff race. As one of the team's top scorers, Powell's performance will be key to the Heat's success down the stretch.

The details

In addition to playing in the All-Star Game, Powell also competed in the Three-Point Contest, though he did not win. He described the overall All-Star experience as 'amazing' and said he was able to create memories with players he has 'gone up against and competed with' throughout his career. Now, Powell is focused on looking 'inward' to lead the Heat and get the team 'on track' after a somewhat disappointing first half of the season.

  • Powell earned his first NBA All-Star selection in the 2026 season.

The players

Norman Powell

A guard for the Miami Heat who earned his first NBA All-Star selection in the 2026 season, leading the team in scoring with 23 points per game.

Keshad Johnson

A Miami Heat forward who won the 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star weekend.

Tyler Herro

A Miami Heat guard who won the Three-Point Contest at last year's NBA All-Star weekend.

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What they’re saying

“Experience was amazing, no complaints. Being able to participate in a full weekend for the first time, the Three-Point contest and the All-Star Game. Just enjoying and creating memories with all the guys that I've gone up against and competed with and looked up to before I even made it to the NBA. So it's an A-plus weekend for me.”

— Norman Powell, Miami Heat Guard

“As a leader, the first thing you got to do if you want to make change and be the example for the team and how we need to play and what we want to go out and accomplish, you got to look inward. And so I've already had some thoughts and talks with my trainer...how I need to come out mentally, and what I need to do to get this team on track.”

— Norman Powell, Miami Heat Guard

What’s next

The Heat will look to Norman Powell to provide veteran leadership and scoring as they try to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The takeaway

Norman Powell's first NBA All-Star selection is a significant milestone in his career, and his focus on providing veteran leadership and turning the Heat around will be crucial for the team's success in the second half of the season.