Norman Powell has emerged as a crucial piece for the Los Angeles Clippers this season. With Kawhi Leonard sidelined and Paul George leaving in free agency, the Clippers faced low expectations. However, they currently boast an 8-7 record, a feat that seemed unlikely during the offseason.
Norman Powell Keeping Kawhi Leonard ‘Delusion’ Alive
Powell has been instrumental in their surprising start, averaging a career-high 23.3 points and 2.3 assists. His shooting splits—49.0% from the field, 48.7% from deep, and 81.7% from the line—showcase his efficiency. Powell’s true shooting percentage stands at an impressive 63.8%. This isn’t new for Powell though. Over the last six seasons, he has consistently had over 60% true shooting. The difference now is his increased volume, which has turned him into the Clippers’ de facto third star.
A Third Star or a Trade Asset?
Powell’s rise provides the Clippers with flexibility. He either remains their third go-to option or becomes a trade asset to acquire another star. The Clippers desperately need this leverage, as they lack significant draft capital to pursue trades.
Their current draft assets include:
2030 first-round pick
2031 first- and second-round picks
Additionally, they hold pick swaps on these:
2025 first-round pick (Thunder)
2026 first-round pick (Thunder/76ers)
2027 first-round pick (Thunder)
2028 first-round pick (76ers no swap unprotected)
2029 first-round pick (76ers, protected 1-3)
This limited draft capital stems from the infamous George trade in 2019. The Clippers sent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and seven first-round picks to Oklahoma City. Powell’s emergence mitigates some of the long-term pain from that deal.
Keeping the 2025 Pick from OKC
Kawhi’s injury history raised concerns that the Thunder could use the 2025 swap to secure a top prospect. Powell is single-handedly keeping the Clippers competitive enough to avoid that disaster. His play prevents OKC from adding a fourth star through the swap.
With a $19.24 million cap hit for the 2024-25 season, Powell’s value is clear. He costs less than most third options and helps the Clippers stay under the second apron. This financial flexibility avoids harsh penalties, like the freezing of future picks, under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement. It’s incredibly important for the assets-strapped Clippers to avoid this pick-freezing penalty.
Norman Powell is Sustaining the Kawhi Leonard Dream
Powell’s success allows Clippers fans and management to hold onto hope for a Kawhi-led title run. When healthy, Kawhi remains one of the league’s most dominant players. With Powell’s breakout, the front office can rationalize staying the course. Steve Ballmer and the Clippers remain committed to competing in the Western Conference. Powell’s contributions keep the dream of a Kawhi-led team alive, even if it feels like a long shot.
Saving the Intuit Dome Launch
The Clippers opened the Intuit Dome this season, and Powell’s emergence ensured they didn’t debut in obscurity. Alongside James Harden, Powell has given fans a reason to fill seats. His play has generated excitement, keeping the team relevant despite Kawhi’s absence.
Powell has become the firepower the Clippers needed. His rise came from an unlikely source, but it could sustain the franchise’s ambitions. Whether he remains their third star or facilitates a trade, Powell has given the Clippers hope—and a much-needed lifeline.
