How Erik Spoelstra used Dwyane Wade as an example to get the best out of Norman Powell this season on the Miami Heat.
One of the most questionable moves of the NBA offseason came when the Miami Heat traded for Norman Powell from the LA Clippers.
The Clippers trading Powell to the Heat was strange, given that he was coming off an All-Star caliber season and was, at times, their second-best player.
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Since the season started, Powell has made the Clippers look even worse for trading him, as he is putting up stellar performances for the team.
One of the keys to getting the best out of Norman Powell has been the coaching from Erik Spoelstra, who used a unique motivation tactic on the former Clippers star.
Erik Spoelstra sent Norman Powell Dwyane Wade’s body fat percentage at same age
Norman Powell was a guest on Lonzo Ball’s podcast, where he discussed his recent move to the Miami Heat and the process of adjusting to the famous ‘Heat culture.’
Powell revealed that Erik Spoelstra sent him a comparison of his weight and body fat next to Dwyane Wade’s weight and body fat to send him a message and encourage him to get in better shape.
“I took weight and body fat. The next day, Spo tells me, ‘Oh, I’m gonna text you something.’ I’m thinking it’s going to be some plays or whatever.
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“He sends me a comparison of D-Wade when he was 32 with the Heat, and it has his weight and body fat with a picture of D-Wade… That’s all he sent me.
“I’m like, ‘Alright, I’m gonna take the hint that you want me to get to this.’ I talked to him the next day, he’s like ‘Yeah, it’s just something for you to think about…’
“I took my weight and body fat on Friday, and then they took it again on Monday, again. Literally, two days after… They’re serious. I was on the treadmill every single day…”
Norman Powell has been thriving with the Miami Heat this season
Erik Spoelstra has a reputation in the NBA for being a strict, no-nonsense head coach who demands the most out of his players on every level.
So, for him to demand Norman Powell get in the best shape possible comes as no surprise. If anything, Spoelstra’s advice worked, as Powell is playing some excellent basketball this season.
Powell is currently averaging 24.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game this season, and has been one of the Heat’s most reliable players.
Despite Powell having a great year last season, his numbers are even better this year. He could have the chance to avenge his snub last season and finally earn an All-Star nomination.
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