Norman Powell could be ready to embrace an entirely different role on the Miami Heat this season, and it could result in him getting back in the running to win the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award. As he could be asked to come off the bench again, Powell should be ready for the challenge.
Starting every game he played last year with the LA Clippers, it could seem somewhat insulting for the Heat to ask Powell to revert to a sixth man role. However, on the Heat, there's a reason to believe that's the role he'll be most effective in.
Considering how thin the Heat's bench looks at the moment, without much of a scoring punch, Powell would offer much value in that role for the team. And if he can emerge as that super sixth man for Miami, he could very well emerge as the favorite to win the award this season.
If he can be the offensive player that he proved he can be last season with the Clippers, Powell should be able to run away with the award this season. And in a contract year, Powell will have every reason to be completely all-in on the idea of being the sixth man for the Heat.
Powell's impact on the Heat is still be overlooked
Regardless of whether it's in a starting role or as a sixth man, I do believe that Powell's potential impact on the Heat this season continues to be overlooked. Powell is coming off a season in which he averaged 22 points on 48 percent shooting from the field and 42 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Those are great numbers for a supporting player.
Sure, he'll be defended slightly differently with Miami, especially considering there's no Kawhi Leonard to protect him, but if he can replicate some of that efficiency, he could be in for another huge season. From the Heat's perspective, they're probably not expecting him to average 20 per game, but that level of efficiency can be a game-changer for this team.
And coming off the bench could help Powell keep that efficiency train going. Giving the Heat's offense a change of pace while being the sixth man could be exactly what it needs to rebound from having one of the worst units in the league last season.
Tyler Herro was great last year for Miami, averaging 24 points per game on efficient shooting, but they're going to need more firepower if they're going to reemerge as an improved team this season. And Powell is expected to play a big part in that.
Who knows what next season holds for the Heat? However, one thing is sure: if Powell can continue to play at a high level this year, he's going to make an impact in whatever role he's given. If he does take on a bench role, there's probably a very good chance he'll take home NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors too.