The Miami Heat hit the jackpot this offseason when their longtime pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo finally paid off. As the Heat prepare for the 2026-27 season, Antetokounmpo caught up with an old Heat champion, Norris Cole, who was part of the franchise’s championship teams in 2012 and 2013.
“I grew up watching you,” Antetokounmpo exclaimed.
“Now I’m watching you,” Cole responded.
Giannis: “I grew up watching you.”
Norris Cole: “Now I’m watching you.”
What a moment. 🙌
(h/t @HeatvsHaters) pic.twitter.com/tQI3FVvXvj
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) September 27, 2026
Norris Cole is back with the Heat organization, as an assistant coach on staff with their G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. So presumably, Cole will get to watch Giannis Antetokounmpo quite a bit during his Heat debut season.
Article Continues BelowAntetokounmpo was a rookie in the NBA in 2013, right after Cole and Heat won their second straight title. Cole was the No. 28 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, before having his draft rights eventually traded to the Heat.
He played six years in the NBA with the Heat, New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder, before playing several years overseas. He also had a couple of G League stints.
In Antetokounmpo’s case, he comes into his debut with the Heat after being limited this past season due to injury. He appeared in only 36 games at a little over 28 minutes per game. He averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists with splits of 62.4 percent shooting from the field, 33.3 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 65 percent shooting from the free-throw line.
The Heat missed the playoffs this past season, but have renewed optimism amid the pairing of Antetokounmpo and star big man Bam Adebayo.