Norman Powell is making a strong case to be named an All-Star this season, And if the Miami Heat only gets one selection, as NBA insider Bill Simmons suggests, there's a growing movement that suggests it could be Powell over the likes of both Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
That's not to discredit the players that Herro and Bam are individually, but there's an argument to be made that it's Powell who has made the biggest impact for the Heat so far this season. And without Powell, it's hard to imagine that this Heat team would be surviving above water at this point.
Sure, Bam is the straw that stirs the Heat, especially on the defensive end of the floor, but without Powell this season, the Heat has looked like a pretty average offense. With Herro missing the first month-plus of the year, Powell is the player who practically replaced him.
The Heat are certainly more talented with Herro on the roster, but the Heat had their best run of the season (thus far) with Powell as the No. 1 option offensively.
It goes to show just how important and valuable Powell has been.
This may finally be Norman Powell's year
After narrowly missing being an All-Star selection last season, the hope is that this is finally the year where Powell is able to break through. He's certainly gotten off to a strong start to the season, but nothing is given.
Through his first 20 games played this season, Powell is averaging 25 points and four rebounds on 50 percent shooting from the field and 44 percent shooting from 3-point range. The Heat are also 12-8 when Powell plays this season. That record would look even better if they hadn't lost their last four games.
Those are clearly All-Star numbers, but that could get complicated with Herro's return. There's at least an outside chance that his integration back into the lineup could make the decision complicated for the voters/decision-makers.
The big question is whether the Heat will be deserving of two All-Star players?
Especially if they continue to play just slightly above .500 basketball, there's a good chance that they may not get two All-Stars. And even though he may be worthy of it, if the Heat only gets one All-Star, it would be surprising if it wasn't Bam.
However, there's an argument developing that Powell could be the one player who could steal that honor from the Heat's frontman.