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Norman Powell, Miami Heat

The Miami Heat have a reputation around the NBA for being tough on players regarding their fitness levels and the quality of their diets. “Heat Culture” is a term that is often thrown around, both by fans and media alike.

However, it would appear players are also aware of the high expectations Miami has for anyone under contract with the franchise. Norman Powell shed some light on how players around the league view the Heat during a recent appearance on Amazon Prime’s NBA broadcast, noting how he was nervous before joining up with his new team.

“Honestly, I mean I wanted to play for the Heat,” Powell said. “But hearing it from the outside, I was nervous because of like how strict they were with the diet and body fat and conditioning tests. That was (the messaging) around the league. We knew, go to Miami, and it’s gonna be military style; you got to be on your stuff. They’re gonna hold you to a high standard.”

Powell continued.

“There’s nothing in between, you know, it’s excellence and that’s what they’re striving for. And being a part of it now. Honestly, it’s really amazing. Like, I can see why they’ve been so successful. All the players that have come through have had amazing things to say about the organization, about Spo, about Riley. And when you’re there, like, you want to push yourself.”

Despite the Heat’s reputation around the league, there’s no denying that their approach works. Erik Spoelstra’s teams are always capable of securing big wins and overcoming the odds. Part of that success is down to the conditioning and nutritional demands placed on the playing staff.

Norman Powell Has Impressed To Beign The Season

Powell has missed the Heat’s last two games due to a groin injury. However, in his opening three contests for his new team, the two-way wing has proven to be a vital addition to Spoelstra’s rotation.

In three games, Powell is averaging 24 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3 assists on 47.7% shooting from the field and 50% shooting from deep. And, while that level of efficiency is likely unsustainable throughout the season, it’s clear to see how his scoring and rebounding can help elevate Miami’s roster.

Nevertheless, we won’t see the Heat at their best until Tyler Herro returns from injury. Once Herro, Powell and Bam Adebayo are on the floor together for a decent stretch of time, we will get a better feel for how well Powell fits with his new team.

Herro Is Traveling With The Heat

While Herro isn’t expected back in the rotation until mid-November, Heat fans got a positive update on Oct. 30. Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that the former Sixth Man of the Year is now traveling with the franchise.

By traveling with the team, Herro is likely one or two steps away from being back on the court. His return will provide some much-needed playmaking and ball-handling to the rotation.

It will also be interesting to see how Herro slots into Miami’s new up-tempo style, which has already been drawing praise. Still, Heat fans are close to seeing their team back at full strength, and that should be a cause for optimism, especially if Powell can continue to perform at his current level and prove that Miami’s strict regime pays dividends.

Adam Taylor is a basketball reporter covering the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Miami Heat for Heavy. He holds bylines for CelticsBlog, USA Today and Yardbarker. Adam also covers the WWE and AEW. He has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing from Open University. More about Adam Taylor