Norman Powell has finally broke through and he's named to his first All-Star team in his career.
For the past two seasons, this is an honor that he's been good enough to receive, but hasn't. Finally, as he's posted the most productive season of his career thus far with the Miami Heat, Powell has broken through. The NBA announced that Powell was selected as a reserve for the East All-Star team.
In his first season with the Heat, Powell is averaging 23 points and four rebounds on 47 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent shooting from 3-point range. Perhaps most importantly, he's perfectly filled the Tyler Herro role for the Heat on the offensive end of the floor.
Even though the Heat has had a very up-and-down season, Powell has been one of the pleasant surprises this year.
The All-Star selection aside, the Heat has a big upcoming decision to make on Powell's future with the team.
The Heat have a big decision to make on Norman Powell
Powell is in the final year of his contract and, from all indications, is expected to test free agency this summer. With as much uncertainty as currently surrounds the Heat, you can't predict one way or another if Powell will be back with the team.
At this point, you'd have to assume that a lot of that depends on what transpires at the NBA Trade Deadline for Miami.
For instance, if they were to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, you'd have to think that Powell is one player they'd like to keep around. However, if Giannis isn't attainable and goes elsewhere, all bets are off.
In fact, if that's the way things are trending for the Heat, there's at least a small chance that Miami ends up trading Powell in an attempt to add an asset before possibly losing him for nothing during the summer.
It's a complicated - and fine - line that the Heat will have to walk over these next few days.
Make no mistake; individually, this is an excellent achievement for a player who has worked his way to this moment. You can't help but feel great about what Powell has been able to accomplish over the past two seasons, breaking out as an All-Star talent.
And now, Powell can officially add "All-Star" to his byline. As a former second-round pick, this is truly an amazing success story in the NBA.