Heat Roundup: Powell’s Isolation Surge, Ware Sits, Front-Office Collaboration, Smith Jr. Joins Skyforce, Adebayo Honored
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MIAMI — Guard Norman Powell is turning a standout season into historic efficiency. The 32-year-old is averaging a career-best 23.7 points on .485/.416/.846 shooting for the Heat in 2025-26 and is on track for his first All-Star appearance. Data compiled by Second Spectrum indicates Miami scores 127.2 points per 100 possessions when Powell isolates, the top figure in the league and the best single-season mark for any player with at least 200 isolation possessions since tracking began in 2013.
Powell is earning about $20.5 million in the final season of his contract. He remains eligible for a veteran extension through June 30; if no deal is reached, he will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Ware’s Hamstring Tightness
Second-year center Kelel Ware missed Tuesday’s game in Sacramento with right hamstring tightness, his first absence of the campaign. The Heat still hold an open roster spot and could add a 15th player without crossing the luxury-tax line, but team officials have shown little urgency to do so.
Shared Decision-Making
Personnel moves in Miami are now made by committee rather than solely by team president Pat Riley, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Head coach Erik Spoelstra is said to wield substantial influence in roster deliberations.
Dennis Smith Jr. Lands in Sioux Falls
After being waived by the Wisconsin Herd, former lottery pick Dennis Smith Jr. has been claimed by the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Heat’s G League affiliate. The 27-year-old guard averaged 8.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 23.4 minutes over 11 games with the Herd, shooting .354 from the field and .250 from three-point range.
Adebayo Receives Community Award
All-Star center Bam Adebayo earned the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award for December in recognition of his work off the court.
Source: Hoops Rumors
