Norman Powell has one final shot to send a strong message to the Heat

The Miami Heat will have a plethora of decisions to make over the offseason, whether they make it out of the play-in tournament and into the playoffs or if the Charlotte Hornets send them packing by mid-week. 

Offseason changes were inevitable months ago already, not just in the last few weeks. The futures of Tyler Herro, for instance, are up in the air, as are the futures of players like Andrew Wiggins, Kel'el Ware, or Norman Powell. 

Powell's is an interesting case, though, because of the impact he had on the Heat this season as a role player playing the part of their No. 1 option. Powell was excellent for the Heat, but is on a one-year deal, and what he does in however many remaining games the Heat have to determine his return to Miami next season, or his summer departure.

Norman Powell needs to end this season on a high note with his future with the Heat uncertain

Save for the final few weeks of the regular season, Powell was one of the few players keeping the Heat above water since day one. Herro was injured and out of the lineup throughout; Bam Adebayo played inconsistent basketball for much too long; and Erik Spoelstra had to change his starting rotations all too often, preventing others from gaining any rhythm. 

Powell, however, was, and has been, the Heat's most consistent player, maybe outside of Jaime Jaquez Jr. The only difference between them is that Powell was a regular starter, while Jaquez is in strong consideration for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year.

Powell tailed off a bit in the final weeks, but that shouldn't overshadow everything he did for the Heat for the majority of the season. He was Miami's leading scorer this year (21.7 PPG), and shot 38% from three and 47% from the field. Powell also added 3.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals. His numbers earned him his first All-Star selection.

All of that said, there is no guarantee that Powell will return to the Heat next season. He made it clear earlier in the season he wanted to return, but considering all the changes Miami will be forced to undertake in the coming offseason, it's fair to speculate where Powell falls in Miami's plans. 

As the Heat gear up to take on the Hornets on Wednesday, Powell might want to have one of the biggest games of the season, because his future with the Heat has the potential to come down to one of his final performances, whether that's against the Hornets or if the Heat win, whoever they play in their second play-in matchup.

Considering the Hornets are the favorites, the Heat need their prominent players to step up, including Powell. Not that he hasn't done enough this season to warrant another contract with the Heat for next season, but a solid outing on Wednesday would only add further convincing. 

Miami has benefited from Powell's scoring punch, mostly as a starter but also when he has come off the bench. To be frank, Powell is also just a solid fit for the Heat and how they play. This offseason will determine the Heat's future for several years, and there will be changes. Powell should be part of that future, but the Heat may want to see how he finishes this season first this week.