Norman Powell joined the Miami Heat less than three months ago, and he’s already making the fanbase appreciate him before he plays his first game with the organization. Speaking on his anticipation for playing in a Heat jersey, Powell made it clear that he’s thrilled to be representing the franchise.

“It’s amazing, honestly,” Powell said. “Walking into the arena and seeing the history, the championships … Being in Dwyane Wade’s old locker, what he meant to me and my game as a kid, modeling my game after him.”

There’s a special kind of connection here. In referencing his emotional connection to the franchise, his admiration for Dwyane Wade, and what he’s looking forward to in the future, Powell is expressing that there’s a kind of personal meaning and legacy behind him joining the Heat. It’s not just another player move from a random offseason.

This is naturally going to create a quick connection with Heat nation. This fan base loves when players express reverence for the team’s legends in history. Doing so is signaling that a player cares more about just themselves and personal accolades. They want to be part of something bigger, and they recognize that something bigger exists in Miami.

Powell called being a Miami Heat player “amazing”

This will help Norman quickly transition from just the new guy in town, to someone who’s truly invested in the culture. This is going to rapidly buy him goodwill with Heat fans. In referencing modeling his game after Wade, he’s signaling respect for the greatest to ever do it in the city of Miami. It’s that kind of admiration for the greats that matters in a franchise like this where hard work and team-first culture are prioritized.

And let’s acknowledge that Powell didn’t have to come out and say this. He’s openly acknowledging his love for the Miami Heat and all that they stand for. That’s going to captivate the fan base of course, but it may also raise the stakes ever so slightly for a new player.

Of course, there’s always going to be some suspicion from some observers when a new player shows up in town, particularly if he’s the level of mid-tier, fringe All-Star type of performer that Norman is. Can he live up to the expectations of playing for this franchise? Will he value putting team success over his own individual success?

This type of statement from Powell makes it clear that he intends to do exactly those things. He wants to represent Heat culture the right way. And even if he or this team fall short of expectations, showing his love for the franchise still creates rapport with the fan base, and he’ll likely be remembered more fondly regardless.