Los Angeles Clippers wing Norman Powell has stepped up big for his team despite an injury. How much will LA lean on him moving forward? It’s seemingly been a somewhat surprising season for the Clippers so far. Powell is usually known to be a role player, especially with his tenure for the Clippers, with players such as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George playing in front of him. However, the former NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors is having a career year at 31 years old.
Norman Powell Stepping Up for Clippers Despite Recent Injury
As the whole league knows, Leonard has had significant knee injuries throughout his career. It’s mainly been with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he hasn’t performed to the best of his abilities. With a right knee injury that has kept Leonard sidelined, it became an opportunity for other players to step up. This season, it’s Norman Powell.
Currently, Powell has been sidelined with a left hamstring injury he suffered against the Golden State Warriors last week. The incident occurred in the first half against the Warriors but still returned just before halftime. Although returning to finish the game with 23 points on 9/15 shooting, Powell hasn’t seen the court since. The timetable has been listed as day-to-day, but he has not appeared in LA’s past five games.
The Best We’ve Seen From Norman Powell
Powell has been potentially the best player for the Clippers so far. The 10-year veteran out of UCLA has made the most out of his increased opportunities. Powell has played his best basketball this season, especially with the start he has had for the Clippers. His 23.3 points per game ranks within the top 25 in the league. Powell is on pace for a career year in scoring; his previous career high was 19 points per game with the Trail Blazers and Clippers in the 2021-22 season.
The Clippers celebrated Powell with his own bobblehead giveaway in his first game out with an injury against the Orlando Magic. Unable to play, Powell went up to take in the view with the Clippers fans from “The Wall” before tip-off. Behind the bobblehead packages was a quote from Powell saying,
Norm gettin’ us started in The Wall! on his bobblehead night ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/P0wntIkLE2
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 21, 2024
Powell is Ready For the Spotlight
It has shown to be a proven statement so far this season. Without the main number one option being Kawhi Leonard and James Harden becoming more of a facilitator and playmaker instead of a scoring guard, Powell’s time to shine is here and has been spoken into existence. Powell recently said the following regarding his season and increased role.
“I’ve been scratching, clawing my way to get this opportunity. It’s been 10 years of playing different roles. I’ve been carrying that Mamba Mentality,”
Once Powell returns from injury in December, the Clippers offense should ignite into what it was. Not to mention the spectacular play of Harden leading this Clippers squad in every aspect of the game. With Powell and Harden’s all-around efforts, this can be a team that shocks a lot of people come April. All that and still potential for a return from Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard, who would only help LA come playoff time.
