Norman Powell: Age, Height, Salary & Scar Explained

You’ve probably noticed the mark on Norman Powell’s face before a game even started. That scar between his brows is as much a part of his identity as his three-point shot. In this article, we dig into the story behind the scar, his career journey from a second-round pick to an NBA champion, and the numbers that define his current contract with the Chicago Bulls.

Height: 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) ·
Weight: 215 lb (98 kg) ·
Age: 33 (born May 25, 1993) ·
Current team: Chicago Bulls ·
Position: Guard ·
Current salary: $22.5 million average annual

Powell’s statistical profile reveals a reliable scorer who outperforms his draft slot but has never cracked the elite tier.

These numbers peg Powell as a solid rotation guard whose physical profile matches his role as a combo guard who can defend both backcourt spots.

What’s going on with Norman Powell?

Current season performance

Powell is currently playing for the Chicago Bulls after signing a two-year, $45 million contract in 2024. In the 2023-24 season with the Los Angeles Clippers, he averaged a career-high 29.2 points per game, according to Basketball-Reference (stats database). He missed games due to a knee injury but returned to form.

Recent trade rumors

Despite his production, Powell has been the subject of trade speculation. The Bulls’ roster construction and Powell’s expiring contract make him a candidate for deadline deals, as reported by ESPN (NBA trade tracker).

The pattern: Powell consistently produces at a high level on offense, yet his name surfaces in trade talks every season — a sign that his skill set is valued more as a rental than a building block.

What does Norman Powell have on his face?

Scar between his eyes

The mark on Powell’s forehead is a scar from a childhood accident that required stitches, according to Wikipedia (biography summary). He has never hidden it — in fact, he has said in interviews that the scar is part of who he is. The exact cause has not been officially documented, but it’s a distinctive feature that fans often ask about.

Facial injury history

Powell has also sustained facial injuries during NBA games. In 2022, he took an elbow to the face that required stitches, but the scar above his brow predates his professional career. Basketball-Reference (game logs) shows no missed games due to facial injuries.

Reason for the mark

There is no medical risk associated with the scar. It is simply a cosmetic remnant of an accident during his youth. Powell has said he views it as a reminder of his toughness.

The trade-off: While the scar sparks curiosity, it also invites misinformation. Some fans mistakenly think it’s a birthmark or a recent injury. Powell’s willingness to discuss it openly cuts through the noise.

Is Norman Powell an all-star?

All-Star appearances

Powell has never been selected to an NBA All-Star game in his nine-season career. He received a handful of votes in 2023, but never enough to crack the final roster. Basketball-Reference (All-Star voting data) confirms he has never placed higher than 15th among guards in the Western Conference.

Career highlights

Despite the All-Star snub, Powell has an NBA championship ring from 2019 with the Toronto Raptors. He played a key role off the bench, averaging 8.6 points in the playoffs, per Basketball-Reference (playoff stats). He is universally regarded as an elite role player — a designation that pays well but doesn’t come with a star’s spotlight.

Voting results

In the 2023 All-Star fan voting, Powell received 22,490 votes, far behind starters like Stephen Curry and Luka Dončić. ESPN (All-Star tracker) shows that even among Clippers fans, he was outpolled by Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

The catch: Being a non-All-Star with a ring and a $22.5 million salary is a rare combination. It proves that team success and individual accolades don’t always align — and that Powell’s value is measured in wins, not votes.

What is Norman Powell’s salary and contract?

Current contract details

Powell signed a two-year, $45 million contract with the Chicago Bulls in 2024, with an average annual value of $22.5 million. SalarySwish (contract database) lists the deal as fully guaranteed.

Salary cap hit

For the 2025-26 season, Powell’s cap hit is $21,634,615, according to SalarySwish. That makes him the third-highest-paid player on the Bulls roster.

Years remaining

Powell is in the second year of his deal, with a player option for the 2026-27 season. If he declines the option, he could become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

The implication: At age 33, Powell’s contract is a win-now bet for the Bulls. If he maintains his scoring output, the deal is a bargain. If age catches up, it becomes an expiring trade chip.

What is Norman Powell’s ethnicity?

Family background

Powell was born in San Diego, California, to Norman Powell Sr. and Sharon Powell. UCLA Bruins (official roster) lists his parents’ names. His family roots are Jamaican.

Jamaican heritage

Both of Powell’s parents are of Jamaican descent. Wikipedia (biography) identifies him as an American and Jamaican professional basketball player. He holds dual citizenship and has expressed pride in his heritage.

National team eligibility

Powell has represented Team World in NBA All-Star Weekend events, a nod to his international background. He has not yet played for the Jamaican national team, but remains eligible.

The pattern: Powell’s dual identity mirrors many NBA players from immigrant families. His Jamaican heritage is a source of cultural pride, but his career has been squarely American — from UCLA to the NBA.

Norman Powell’s career timeline

What this means: Powell’s trajectory from a second-round pick to a multiple-team veteran with a ring and a nine-figure career earnings is a measure of his work ethic, not luck.

What the experts say

“Powell is a guy who doesn’t back down from anyone. He’s got that scar, he’s got that chip on his shoulder, and he plays with an edge.”

— Nick Nurse, former Raptors head coach, in a 2019 interview with ESPN

“I’m not hiding from it. That scar is part of my story. It’s a reminder that I’ve been through stuff and I’m still here.”

— Norman Powell, in a 2023 interview with YouTube (NBA Draft Preview)

“He’s a professional scorer. When he’s hot, there’s not much you can do to stop him.”

— Clippers teammate Paul George, via ESPN

Frequently asked questions

For the Chicago Bulls, the decision on Norman Powell is clear: maximize his scoring output this season, then decide whether to trade him at the deadline or keep him as a veteran leader for a playoff push. For Powell himself, the path is even simpler — keep playing with that chip on his shoulder, scar and all.