The NBA All-Star game is fast approaching, and while the starters have been identified, fans await the supporting cast members. When it comes to the Western Conference, one of the surprising developments of the season is where the Los Angeles Clippers sit. They’re seven games above .500 and in the sixth seed. They’ve made it this far largely without Kawhi Leonard and with James Harden leading the way. Not only that, but Harden is playing so well that he’s an All-Star caliber player this year, as is his teammate, Norman Powell. The question is, will both of them make the cut?
One of Clippers’ Two All-Star Candidates Could Miss the Cut
James Harden and Norman Powell Have Both Earned All-Star Votes
Harden is having a fantastic season—his 16th—leading the Clippers, who only recently welcomed Kawhi back into the lineup after missing a large chunk of the season. Whether the Clippers would be able to rely on Harden to maintain a level of compete and contention was a question mark going into the season, knowing that Kawhi would have a late start. Those questions have been put to rest for now, considering Harden’s All-Star play since day one of the season. He’s averaging 21.7, 8.3 assists, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. While his shooting efficiency hasn’t been great (34.4 % from three and 39.7% from the field), Harden is still producing at a high level. His game has significantly impacted the Clippers for the better.
Aside from Harden, Powell’s season is also All-Star-worthy. Powell leads the Clips in points per game (23.9) and three-point percentage (43.1%) while shooting just shy of 50% from the floor (49.0%). It’s a career year for Powell in terms of points per game. It helps that his shooting has been on point every night. He and Harden have managed to keep the Clippers competitive through 45 games, and their play has put their names on paper as legitimate All-Star selections.
Kawhi Pulling For Both Teammates
Unfortunately, considering the talent and skill in the West and the fact that only so many players can fill the All-Star roster, it may come down to Harden or Powell, but not both. Could they both make it? Yes, of course, but Kawhi seems to think it might be a tall task for both of his guys to represent the Clips in San Francisco. LA Clippers beat writer Joey Linn got the scoop from Kawhi.
“[Harden and Powell] have been playing great all year. It’s a lot of politics in it. So we’ll see what happens…I’m not sure if they’re gonna give us two players,” said Leonard. “You know how that goes. Hopefully they do. They’ve been playing at a high level.”
If both Harden and Powell make it, it’s a significant testament to the exceeded expectations the Clippers likely had by the majority going into the 2024-25 campaign. It’s even a bigger deal, considering they didn’t have Kawhi for almost half the season. However, suppose one gets left out. It would be nice to see Powell get the selection. Harden has 10 All-Star selections to his name, Powell has zero. Let the former champion in, I say.
