In 2019, the Toronto Raptors made an improbable run to the NBA Finals, winning it all in six games over the two-time defending champions, the Golden State Warriors. Today, the Raptors look nothing like that squad, with Fred VanVleet and Norman Powell having since moved on to different teams. VanVleet and Powell both shared that championship together as teammates and have maintained a connection ever since.
How each Heat player finished in All-Star starter voting: Player Vote: Bam Adebayo - 36 Norman Powell - 20 Tyler Herro - 12 Jaime Jaquez Jr. - 8 Kel'el Ware - 7 Nikola Jovic - 6 Davion Mitchell - 5 Andrew Wiggins - 3 Simone Fontecchio - 1 Pelle Larsson - 1 Vladislav Goldin - 1 Dru Smith - 2 Keshad Johnson - 1 Jahmir Young - 1 Myron Gardner - 1 Kasparas Jakucionis - 0
Powell isn't one for on-court confrontations, and there's no real history of him engaging in that behaviour. That said, there's always a first, and Tuesday night saw the two players clash, or crash, into each other in what could have been a very dangerous play. Powell did put up 27 points in the contest, but it did not come without avoiding the snare of Brooks, who initiated a short scuffle during the game.
That's exactly the mindset the Heat's front office needs to have. Even though it may seem to be the right decision to lock up Powell now, whose extension window is now open, it may not be that simple. The Heat can't be in a rush to keep the status quo Sure, it would be ideal if they could lock up Powell and perhaps other players on their roster, but why would they be in such a hurry to lock themselves into future mediocrity?
