Latest news with #JamaicanNationalTeam
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20 hours ago
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Norman Powell gives honest thoughts on getting ‘acclimated' since Heat trade
The post Norman Powell gives honest thoughts on getting 'acclimated' since Heat trade appeared first on ClutchPoints. With the Miami Heat trading for Norman Powell from the Los Angeles Clippers in the offseason, it's a move that has given the team a new level of excitement. As people around the Heat have praised the move to trade for Powell, the player himself speaks on getting used to his new surroundings. Powell has been recently practicing with the Jamaican national basketball team for the FIBA World Cup 2027 Americas pre-qualifiers, which have been taking place in Boca Raton, Florida. Specifically at Florida Atlantic University, where Miami has held training camp before, Powell would express how being in South Florida under this situation has been getting him 'acclimated,' according to The Miami Herald. 'It's getting me acclimated,' Powell said. 'It has been amazing to be welcomed here. Not only with the Jamaican national team, and that side of my culture that I'm embracing and learning about. But being here in South Florida, checking into the hotel, people already know who I am and welcome me and are excited about me being on the Heat.' 'It's been amazing,' Powell continued. 'I've always looked at my life as full-circle moments. Things that have been talked about and signs, and things that you don't really notice. But then it comes full circle. I was expecting training camp to be in Jamaica, but then I learned that it was in Boca. And then being traded to the Heat, being so close to where I'll be playing, and being able to go down there and go to the facility, look for a place to stay. … It's definitely cool.' Norman Powell on starting a new chapter with the Heat As Powell will now join the Heat's featured duo of Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, the former Los Angeles Clipper gives the team a much-needed gutpunch on offense, as they ranked towards the bottom of the league in offensive rating. Speaking after a recent practice with the Jamaican national team, he would also express how eager he is to start a new era in his basketball career. 'Honestly, I'm super excited about it,' Powell said. 'It's always a shock when you get traded, especially coming off the year that I had, and talking to the front office, and it's all about extensions and things like that. And then you get a little rumbling that it's a possibility, but not really. And then you get traded. So the shock is always there.' 'But the Heat, they've welcomed me with open arms,' Powell continued. 'They've talked about how much they've wanted me and liked my game throughout the year, and they've tried to get me. So to come to a place that values you and wants you here and understands what you bring to the table and wants you to be you, you can't be upset or mad about that at all.' Last season, Powell averaged 21.8 points per game on shooting 48.4 percent from the field and 41.8 percent from deep. Powell is hoping to help Miami improve this upcoming season, as they were 37-45, which put them 10th in the Eastern Conference. While they would make it through the play-in tournament as the first 10th seed to do so, the Heat would get swept by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Related: The significant amount of time this key Heat player will miss Related: 1 move Miami Heat should've made in 2025 NBA offseason
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jamaican National Team Looks Stacked With Influx Of 8 NBA Players
Jamaican National Team Looks Stacked With Influx Of 8 NBA Players originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Jamaican National Team for basketball is due to see a massive influx of talent as eight NBA players have announced their decision to join and represent the country. Featuring the likes of Toronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes to the Thompson twins, the Jamaican team is in for a massive talent upgrade. Advertisement The news regarding changes to the Jamaican men's basketball team's roster started gaining attention when the twins, Amen and Ausar Thompson, announced their interest in representing them. The Thompson twins are two of the most talented young players in the league. While boasting freak athletic ability and physical toughness, the two have also shown an innate gift for the game. While this was a noteworthy addition in and of itself, the Jamaican team gradually sees an influx of more NBA players. As the Thompson twins are undergoing the passport process, the Jamaican team continues to be engaged in talks with Raptors All-Star Scottie Barnes, Spurs guard Devin Vassell, and Pistons center Isaiah Stewart. The notion of adding more talented players is truly exciting. While the Thompson twins are impressive, Barnes is a genuine All-Star. As an immensely gifted forward, the addition of the 23-year-old could have massive connotations for the roster strength, as he averaged 19.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game last season. Along with these five players, Jamaica will also feature the likes of Clippers forward Norman Powell. Powell is a savvy veteran who is coming off an impressive season with the Clippers. His averages of 21.8 points and 3.2 rebounds on 48.4% shooting from the field and 41.8% from beyond the arc would earn him a starter's spot on any team in the league. His addition could be a huge boost to the team's depth. Advertisement The national team already featured two NBA players in Suns center Nick Richards and Wolves guard Josh Minott. Although the two don't receive much playing time in the NBA, they remain mainstays in Jamaica's national team. Jamaica has produced a number of noteworthy players in its past. Wayne Sappleton was the first Jamaican-born player to be drafted to the NBA. Meanwhile, former Pacers center Roy Hibbert was a runner-up for the Defensive Player Of The Year award in the 2013-14 season. The most iconic Jamaican-born player, however, was Knicks legend Patrick Ewing. While being the first Jamaican-born player to be drafted first overall, he also went on to have a stellar career, with 11x All-Star selections and one All-NBA first team selection. Although he never represented his home country, he managed to win two gold medals at the Olympics for Team USA. The influx of talent from the NBA could signal a new era for Jamaican basketball. With young players paving the way, the team is likely to see massive changes in their performances, potentially leading to greater representation on the world stage. Related: Patrick Ewing Biography: Inspiring Journey From Georgetown To The NBA This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
