Which Miami Heat players have a shot at the NBA All-Star Game?

Norman Powell has emerged as Miami’s lone realistic candidate, but even his path is complicated.

Dec 9, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (24) shoots a three point basket during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

With the NBA season nearing its midpoint, the Miami Heat typically have at least one or two legitimate All-Star candidates. For years, Dwyane Wade was a lock as one of the league's vibrant superstars. Then came Jimmy Butler in his prime, Bam Adebayo as one of the league's most consistent and versatile defenders, and even Tyler Herro coming on to his own last season to make his case.

But this season is different. Herro’s long injury absence and Bam’s inconsistent scoring output have taken the typical candidates off the table. That leaves Miami in the unusual position of having to look elsewhere — and that “elsewhere” is newcomer Norman Powell, who has quietly and steadily been one of the best scorers in the Eastern Conference since his arrival.

Powell currently ranks 20th in the NBA in scoring at 26.6 points per game, just outside the top 10 among Eastern Conference players. That’s a legitimate All-Star line just about any season. But the field of potential All-Stars is brutally stacked, and Miami’s record, especially as of late, isn’t doing him any favors.

Still, if the Heat are going to get anyone in, he’s realistically their best chance.

Norman Powell: Miami’s only real shot

The Case For

With Herro missing out on so much of the season so far, the Heat's acquisition of Powell from the LA Clippers continues to look more and more like one of the bigger trade steals in recent memory.

He's scoring with an almost machine-like consistency, while displaying elite efficiency that has been driving Miami's fast-paced offense this season. On many nights, he has been Miami’s offense, leading them through stretches where other core players were unavailable. His production has been made up of strong shooting splits, elite free-throw rate, and reliable scoring against playoff-level defenses.

He had already made a solid case to no avail the previous year while with the Clippers, so his storyline of attempting to become a first-time All-Star as a longtime veteran, while having a career year now with a respected franchise, could garner some of the coaches' votes.

The Case Against

Miami's 18-5 record, even with the recent win streak, gives Powell less of a cushion compared to stars with name recognition on winning teams.

Which brings us to Powell's biggest roadblock: the East guard pool of potential All-Stars is absolutely loaded this season.

Unfortunately, he's competing against players with far higher usage and name recognition. Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Maxey, and Jaylen Brown appear to be locks to make it, and Powell might have to fight against the likes of Lamelo Ball or Desmond Bane for consideration.

As good as he's been for the Heat this season, Powell also offers little in the way of traditional “All-Star résumé” stats beyond scoring. He isn’t a playmaker, defender, or rebounder at notable levels. Will the coaches look past that?

Verdict: He has a real statistical case — but in this Eastern Conference, he’ll need help to get in. It could come down to either not getting in at all or being an injury replacement.