The New Era of Miami Heat Basketball Begins | Norman Powell Interview + Tyler Herro Update

The New Era of Miami Heat Basketball Begins | Norman Powell Interview + Tyler Herro Update

Good people. This is Theo Dorsy from ESPN West Palm and Theoretically Speaking and this is All You Can Heat. We’ll be delivering this to you on the ESPN South Florida app as well as on YouTube and everywhere you can find your podcast all year long. The Miami Heater entering the 2025 season a little bit underrated. Looked at their win total 37 and a half. And as a longtime Heat fan and a five-year uh South Florida resident, I do believe that Eric Sper might be cooking up a little something here as he and the Miami Heat walk in with little expectations and a whole lot of moxy and a bit of a new look roster. So, here’s how we’ll be doing it on All You Can Heat. I’ll be delivering you some great stuff here, obviously, presented by Robin Hood all season long. We’ll be covering some of the games throughout the year. I’ll give you more overarching themes of what this heat season is like and we’ll watch all 82 together. It’s going to be a fun ride. We’ll have guests, we’ll have interviews, as you can see uh by my handy dandy menu on All You Can Heat. We’ll have a Norm Powell interview, an exclusive I got with him. Wouldn’t call it an exclusive journalistically, but a one-on-one at the Miami Heat media day before the season tips off. We’re gearing up for a tip off at Orlando. exciting times around South Florida as you want to see what the new look, new chapter heat will be. And it starts with what they did this off season. Let’s take a quick look at their top three moves this off season. One of which is the signing of or excuse me, not the signing, but the drafting of Casperis Yak Yakonis. Casperris Yakonis. Now, as you could tell, a new face here out of Illinois, 65 guard, a little bit of international flare. He’s going to be a bit of a project, but we’ll get to why this is going to be key for the Heat going forward. We’ve seen guys like Hameh Hakez Jr. have an impact and have one early. He’s a playmaking guard. He’s a guy that can dribble, shoot past, which is what you need to compete in the league today, but also we’re going to give you that Tyler Hero update and a reason as to why I think that Casper might get some early opportunities despite still kind of being a project of a player out of Illinois. We saw him a little bit in the preseason and summer league. had the ups and the downs, but 10 assist, that’s a good thing to see. 10 assist in uh in the first game, the opener against the Spurs. Didn’t shoot the ball that well. We’ll see what Casper ends up being. Of course, another major move this off season that is going to matter for the Miami Heat was the trade for Norman Pal. Acquiring the Allstar snub from last year, and we’re going to have that full Norman Pal interview. He great dude like absolutely has the right mentality to come into Miami and be a guy that they can lean on early through the Tyler Herro injury, but also a guy that can potentially potentially play his way into being an all-star. I can’t wait for that one. But the offseason transaction itself was a three-team trade between the Clippers, the Jazz, and the Heat where the Heat move off of guys like Kevin Love and Kyle Anderson. Uh, but they bring in Norman Pal, who I do think again will be an immediate contributor. He’s coming off of a career year. He’s feeling good about what his placement can be in Miami, and it feels like he’s one of those heat culture type dudes. Anyways, right. I know people are getting sick of hearing about heat culture, quote unquote. It’s a real thing. And Eric Folra now going to year 18 has seen a repetitive structure of being able to get the most out of guys that the league might be down on. Norman Pal, like don’t get me wrong, is nobody’s down on him as a player, but he is a little bit undervalued and the Heat get to get a guy that’s an allstar uh snub from last year in the West. He could potentially make it in the East and he also can add a bunch of points when the Heat may need it most and they’ll need it right now because the other major offseason though was Tyler Hero getting the ankle injury. We saw Tyler Herro at Heat Media Day. We’ve seen him throughout the past couple of weeks. He he went from not being able to put any weight on it to now being able to practice. We saw him at FAU and Boca Raton, actually being able to move around a lot more. And the weird thing about the Tyler Hero injury, it came around the same time that South Florida sports fans lost Tyreek Hill, that we’ve learned about Sasha Barov and Matthew Kachchuck not being able to kick things off with the Florida Panthers, and then the Tyler Hero thing. But more oddly has been the timets. Like I was over there at the Heat Media Day at Cassaya Center when we learned that from Tyler Herro’s mouth he would be missing potentially seven to eight weeks to start the season. And then we sat down with Eric Spolster and he cleaned it up a bit and said that Hero might be available earlier than expected as this mysterious timetable for an ankle injury continues to conflate Heat fans and probably the Heat opposition as well. Uh, I know one thing that a lot of people have their eyes on is that Heat win total across a lot of sports book. I’m seeing 37 and a half. Like you want to know how how soon a guy who was an all-star last year, 255 and five will be back and available for the Heat because that could do a lot to what that total looks like, especially when you look at just how tough the Heat schedule is going to be in the first 20 to 25 games. I don’t want to get into the minutia of that, but I will say this, the oddest part about the timetable is that Dominique Wilkins, uh, you you know him as being the human highlight reel, the Atlanta Hawks, great. I believe he’s got a statue outside of the Hawks arena. He said randomly on a preseason broadcast that hero is going to be available for the first game. I don’t know where that came from. It feels like the reports around the Miami Heat are shooting that down. But to go from missing potentially a month or two to then walking that back, then you hear that from Wilkins. My assumption is he will be back sooner than a lot of people initially anticipated. But no telling what that timetable is. The issue here is this is a new look team. It’s the first off season in quite some time that the Miami Heat do not have that mega star, right? We’ve had the past four or five years where you at least enter with Jimmy Butler. Dwayne Wade, he ain’t walking through that door, at least not as a basketball player. And whatever the hell that statue is outside, we all know that that might not be Wade himself. But on top of all of that, I believe that this year particularly, Eric Spolster is going to mark this new chapter with a rotation of guys where we might learn that Khil Wear can be a riser from this, you know, going into his second year out of Indiana. The big man who can stretch the floor, has a bit of more playmaking than we thought, and also is a good shot blocker. Bam. Adabio. Hey, it’s your team. Your girlfriend Asia Wilson just won another NBA or WNBA title, another MVP, you know, like I’m not trying to put that pressure on you, but I know when you go back home and I know she’s going to be expecting you to put up some numbers as well. And this is now officially for the first time the banio era in Miami. So, there’s a lot of headlines, a lot of narratives to be able to follow along with, but I’m just excited to be a part of it. I actually got a fantasy basketball draft and I believe I will be drafting Bam Adabio pretty high in it. Another guy who I think will be a sleeper in fantasy basketball, but I also believe that Heat fans are going to absolutely fall in love with when they watch him at Caya Center is the one and only Norman Pal. He comes to us as a wildly old vet, but he’s got a lot of gas left in the tank. Here is our interview with Norman Pal as we continue all you can heat and we’ll wrap up this episode one with a heavy hitter Norm Pal from Heat Media Day. Just in the blink of an eye, just like on July 7th when we got that good news, Norman Pal enters the building. What’s going on? Welcome to Miami, man. Appreciate it, man. Good to be here. you um obviously you you wouldn’t even care, but I mean the day that we got the the news and I opened up my show here, theoretically speaking, I I I had some pom poms damn near. I’m excited. We got we got Norman Pow in the house. What is What is uh how have Heat fans embraced you now that you are going to be now starting up and and playing here and you were the big offseason acquisition. Yeah. Um they’ve been amazing honestly. Um I think after the trade was announced, the uptick in my social media account went up by like 10,000 or something like that. Um, I was one of those. Yeah, that’s awesome. Um, they’ve been great. U, super supportive, super excited. Um, I’m excited to actually have the heat jersey on. I’m excited for training camp to get going um and get this thing rolling. Um, the infamous conditioning test. Yeah. What did you hear about it before and what was it like to actually go through it here with the Miami Heat? Um, I heard that it was tough. Um, that’s one thing that uh everybody knew about around the league. Um, I know a lot of teams were trying to u take and have their own uh conditioning test because of the heat and uh what they’ve been able to do and the success they’ve had with it. Um, so I was uh nervous for it. Um, even though after I was traded um I was conditioning like crazy. Um, I was track meeting it for sure. Um, but uh I was able to pass. Um, it definitely was tough. Um, but uh, you know, it’s it’s a good uh uh welcoming uh moment to the Heat as soon as we got done. uh Spo walked up to me and said uh officially welcome to the Heat uh for completing the test. So that was great. See, that’s when it really becomes official. The trade announcement wasn’t like it. Yeah. No, it’s passing that that conditioning test for sure. Uh Norman Pal here joining us, the the newest member of the Miami Heat and also a guy that they’ll be likely leaning in on um on the offensive side heavily now that we do have the Tyler Hero news. Now, everybody was excited to see what it would look like in that back court, y’all two together. Um, how much more are you now? I don’t want to say it like that, but Spo and the guys are going to lean on your offensive threat because hero is a walking bucket just like people like to refer to you as as a bucket out here. So, they’re going to need you early on. How excited are you to show what you’re able to do in a Heat uniform? Um, I’m super excited. You know, um, for me, um, I’ve talked about it before, but, um, this is not unfamiliar territory for me. um you know when uh star guy a go-to guy um a bucket and Tyler Herrell um you know goes down or he has to sit out you know the start of the season um due to injury um trying to recover you know I was here last year uh similar situation with Kawawaii um and you know the Clippers fan organization and people around not knowing who was going to step up and fill that void um and keeping them competitive you know and me being able to do that um so I’m super excited for you know uh the opportunity you know I want Tyler to come back 100% healthy And then I’m excited for that integration for both of us of being on the floor together. Um and then uh you know that dynamic with Bam and Ker and Wigs and and Dave um and the guys and seeing how that all puts together once we’re fully uh healthy and firing all in all cylinders. But um I told him and he texted me, you know, hold it down for him uh when he gets back and uh so I’m ready to do that. Yeah. And also you got out of the Clippers organization just in time. You ain’t got to say nothing. I’m just saying like congrats on that part of things. I appreciate it. Norman Fowl joining us here as he’s getting ready to embrace his first heat training camp which I’m sure um keeps the momentum going from that conditioning test to camp right into the season. I know that you know SP likes to say everything that we want is on the other side of hard. They’re going to make it hard on y’all so that the game days are easier and whatnot. Sure. You don’t you feel like and I feel this way at least outside looking in, but you feel like one of those guys that’s just like ready made to fit in with heat culture and be one of these guys that maybe people haven’t heard as much about, but when you step out on the court, you’re going to fear them on a nighttoight basis cuz what you can do. Yeah, for sure. You know, I think um I fit that definition of heat culture perfectly. You know, I’ve know people talked about uh I’ve seen like on Gilbert Arenas’s thing like, oh, they’re going to work him so hard, this, that, and the other. But like that’s who I am. That’s my DNA. That’s the reason why I’m still here in the league and being able to to stick and uh grow and uh continue to get better each and every year because the the work and uh my approach to this game, you know, and uh the tenacity that I have, the uh competitive nature that I have and the ability to go through the hard things, you know, and fight and dig and claw and scratch my way uh back up to the top when going gets tough, you know, and that’s what heat culture is about. Um it’s about um uh putting yourself and pushing yourself to to the limits um for success. and they put uh the guys one in the best shape of their lives and in the best position for them to be successful. So, I’m super excited um to be here um to show that um that work ethic and uh that reputation that has carried me throughout the league and uh put my own stamp on the heat organization. Norman Pal joining me, Theo Dorsy here on Emotion Monday on theoretically speaking in the midst of heat media day. We’re at CASA Center. Uh the ambiance is beautiful and Norman Powell is looking super like when you answer the questions I get a little intimidated. I’m like, he about to he about to drop a bucket on me. I ain’t do nothing. Um I’m I’m curious though for you, man. You’re coming off a career year. Yeah, there’s more. You probably going to have another one after this. I heard you talking maybe potential all-star because they did snub you last year. Yeah, you know, that’s always been the goal. I mean, I look back uh you know, three, four seasons ago when I first got to the Clippers and I was talking about wanting to be an all-star, wanting to be a starter and people thought I was crazy, you know, but um this is the expectations and how I’ve always viewed myself, you know, and it’s always been about getting the opportunity, you know. I was never a guy that was just going to be given the team and here you go. We’re going to build around you and uh see help you develop and grow into this player, you know, I had to do that on my own by keeping the faith um in God and just my ability and uh and the work that I that I put in that it was going to eventually show and it was going to pay off um and whatever role that is. And as my year has gone on, I’ve gotten more and more um opportunity and I’ve been able to take advantage of it. Um and I continue. I think there’s other levels and areas that I can continue to improve on despite my age of being 32. You know, if you look at my career, I’ve played roles. So, it’s not like I’ve had super heavy log minutes and, you know, I’m worn down. You know, I’ve been in a role and I’ve just been waiting for that opportunity to continue to shine and showcase my ability. I did that last year. I’m hungry to do it again and um take it to another level. People tend to also be rejuvenated by just being in in sunny South Florida, you know, you wake up a little different when it’s warm outside. your body feels a little bit better, you know, you’re not all uh stiff and whatever. So, uh it definitely is a nice little feel to to wake up and see the palm trees and have a little beach weather there, you know. It’s uh it’s nice. You But you know how to pick them though cuz you’re coming from LA to Miami. It’s not like you you know some guys that that have gone like, you know, coming out of areas in which Cleveland and whatnot. For sure. You know, I’ve been uh uh lucky and blessed with uh having some great uh uh cities to play in through the course of my career. So, um, you know, to add Miami to, uh, that list, uh, is definitely a benefit and a bonus. Did you, when you found out, you know, when everything shook out and you ended up becoming a a member of the Miami Heat, first inclination of that is, are you thinking like this is the place where I want to be able to round out and end my career? Like, how what do you how do you consume that? And then honestly, honestly, I didn’t think about anything of like how where I was going to be to end my career, you know, is um how do I uh now go in uh to a whole new uh organization, a whole new system, and uh capitalize on what I did last year, you know. Um I’m never thinking about the end. I’m always uh where I’m at in the moment um and being present um and continuing to grow um and and carry. you know, the end will will come when it comes, but right now I’m just focused on continuing to elevate my career, elevate who I am as a player on and off the floor and then taking advantage of the opportunities that’s given to me, right? And I will say choice words there cuz same thing happened when I was talking to Spo about it being year 18. He’s and I’m start talking to him about what would he do next and he’s like, don’t talk about the end. I’m not there yet. I mean it I ain’t mean it in that way. I more so meant it as a place where you can now call home and like you can be here and be because this is the kind of organization that does reward players who do exactly what you’ve done your whole career and that’s prove themselves time after time after time when given the opportunity and it it just doesn’t it feel like at least a place where it’s like you know if you do what you’re supposed to do then you can be a guy that calls this the you know the place where you land. Yeah, for sure. Um that’s something that uh my agent and I talked about uh you know just with the history of the organization. Um he knows uh the front office really well. He knows coach both really well. Um he represented Duncan when he was here. So um um he’s u very uh has a close relationship with them. Um and we know like the history of the organization and how you know there’s not much turnover and they like you said reward the guys. Um so if I handle my business it’ll be here. So it’s definitely nice. I’ve had uh I do some business out here have some investments and things like that. So, um, uh, I always love the the tax-free income states, you know. So, um, I can definitely see myself, uh, being here for a while. It does feel like home, especially them talking about how badly they’ve they’ve wanted me, uh, throughout the course of my career and trying to get me down here. So, um, I feel wanted. Um, I feel appreciated. Um, and when you feel that, you know, you don’t want to leave. So, I don’t see myself I’m not thinking about anything other than coming out here um doing what I need to do and helping this team um move forward and push forward in their goals and uh achievements that they want to uh get obtained this uh upcoming season. Yeah. You say you feel want you feel need you you feel the difference in your bank account when it’s not taxes versus Florida. You you also you know Duncan Robinson you talk about you’re going to be replacing some of that shooting he provided. Um he also had a podcast. Have you ever have you thought about maybe you know just dipping into that just investments? No, you know what I’m saying? I I keep uh the main thing the main thing. I like my investments. Um but that’s uh you know little side thing rather than having a podcast and setting up and finding people to interview and doing all that, you know. Uh you know, I feel like there’s enough uh players doing that. I don’t mind jumping on podcast and uh doing interviews and things like that, but having my own uh I’m cool. I am uh working on uh uh coming now. I guess I’ll say it now. Oh, breaking news right here on theoretically speaking Norman Pal. Uh we’re working on uh coming out launching a a media uh company. Um I have a clothing brand, a foundation called Understand the Grind. So uh we’re coming out with Grind Media. Um, and we’re starting off with u uh kind of behind the scenes uh look at my career and my life uh and what it goes into um every day of preparing for this season and uh different uh key moments and events going on. So uh we’re about to launch pretty soon. We’re filming uh some things now, putting it all together uh for the official launch, but um Grime Media Group uh is definitely coming soon. Well, there we have it. I’m going to be locked in on that. You got to come back on Theoretically Speaking when it’s official official and we’ll and we’ll do some stuff around that and promote it to the people. Yeah, let’s do it. Norman, I’m I’m glad to have you as a as a member of the Heat. Um, we’ll be watching you throughout the season and good luck at camp in Boca Raton, sir. FAU is beautiful. I know you already know that. Yep. Was up there for the national team. Yeah. How did all of that go? But I was supposed to come to that media day for y’all and I missed out on that, but how was the run at FAU and how, you know, how excited are you to get back in that gym and work out? Um, it was great, honestly. Um, they were very welcoming, very accommodating. Um, it was a great time. Uh, the guys loved it. For me, it was a passion project for me, being able to immerse myself in that culture and learn about that side of uh my upbringing and my family because I didn’t know much about it. Um, but it was an amazing time up there. They’re super nice. I’m glad that uh we’re actually able to accomplish what we wanted to accomplish and move past the first round um of the Fever qualifiers. Uh the first time in Jamaica’s history that the basketball team was able to do that. Um we had a great group of guys who are hungry. We’re just looking for more supporters uh to continue to come and and donate and and help push that program forward because we got a lot of talent coming out of Jamaica. Dorman Pal, Miami Heat Guard, Grind Media coming out soon. Um looking forward to seeing all of that and appreciate your time. Appreciate it. This was just episode one, All You Can Heat. Glad you joined us. Make sure you subscribe on YouTube. Subscribe everywhere you see it. Download the ESPN South Florida app and you can continue to get heat content as often as I’m able to get it to you. I don’t want to promise how many times, but best know I’ll be watching those games right alongside you and I can’t wait to see how the Heat do. And as always, All You Can Heat presented by Robin Hood. You expect more for yourself, expect more for your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yyoumoney and download that Robin Hood app as well. We’ll see you next time.

Theo Dorsey from ESPN West Palm kicks off All You Can Heat — the ultimate Miami Heat show for real South Florida fans!

In Episode 1, Theo breaks down why the 2025 Miami Heat are flying under the radar, explains what Erik Spoelstra’s “faster pace” system means, and sits down 1-on-1 with Norman Powell from Heat Media Day.

From rookie Kasparas Jakučionis to the Tyler Herro injury timeline and Bam Adebayo’s leadership, this episode sets the tone for a brand-new chapter of Heat basketball.
Presented by Robinhood — expect more for your money.