Despite what the public perception may be, the Miami Heat players aren't resigned to the idea that this season is supposed to be a "gap" year for the team. In fact, newcomer Norman Powell is saying exactly what Heat fans may want to hear - that the Heat should be "feared" and that he's a budding star himself.
In a recent interview, Powell didn't hold back when asked about the team's expectations this season. He noted how he believes the Heat can be really good this year, and that he could stand out as a star-like player with his skill set. He's entering this season with a big chip on his shoulder.
And so are the Heat.
Now that training camp is in full swing, it's pretty clear that there aren't a ton of expectations on the Heat's shoulders. That could work in their favor.
Operating under the radar as somewhat of an afterthought in the Eastern Conference could do this team well. It sure seems as if Powell is embracing that mantra this season. Considering the team is going to need him to step up in a big way this year, this is the type of mentality that Heat fans should want from a new addition like Powell.
The Heat need the best of Norman Powell
If the Heat are going to make some noise in the East, they're going to need Powell to step up in a big way. With Tyler Herro projected to be out at least the first month of the regular season, the Heat will need to lean on him more than they originally envisioned.
The good news for the Heat is that Powell is coming off the best statistical season of his career, and he does seem to be in the right mental space to build off that.
Whether or not he can mirror the level of production he enjoyed last season remains to be seen, but there's no question that the move to acquire Powell is likely going to pay immediate dividends right away.
One of the bigger takeaways from the first two days of training camp from the Heat is this idea that the players are not taking this season lightly. They're saying all the right things and appear to be rallying around each other, perhaps embracing this label as somewhat of an underdog this year.
They're ready to compete and prove the naysayers wrong. And Powell's recent comments seem to strongly back that up.
Can Powell and the rest of the team prove these comments to be accurate? Time will only tell. However, there's no question that this is the type of mindset that fans want to see from their team. Sure, it's early, but these are great signs for this season.