{"id":107798,"date":"2024-11-19T11:26:40","date_gmt":"2024-11-19T16:26:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=107798"},"modified":"2024-11-19T11:26:40","modified_gmt":"2024-11-19T16:26:40","slug":"norman-powell-kawhi-leonard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/11\/19\/norman-powell-kawhi-leonard\/","title":{"rendered":"Norman Powell Keeping Kawhi Leonard ‘Delusion’ Alive"},"content":{"rendered":"

Norman Powell<\/a> has emerged as a crucial piece for the Los Angeles Clippers this season. With Kawhi Leonard<\/a> sidelined<\/a> and Paul George<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Norman Powell Keeping Kawhi Leonard ‘Delusion’ Alive<\/h2>\n

Powell has been instrumental in their surprising start, averaging<\/a> a career-high 23.3 points and 2.3 assists. His shooting splits\u201449.0% from the field, 48.7% from deep, and 81.7% from the line\u2014showcase his efficiency. Powell\u2019s true shooting percentage stands at an impressive 63.8%.\u00a0This isn\u2019t 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\u2019 de facto third star.<\/p>\n

A Third Star or a Trade Asset?<\/h3>\n

Powell\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Their current draft assets<\/a> include:<\/p>\n

2030 first-round pick<\/strong><\/p>\n

2031 first- and second-round picks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Additionally, they hold pick swaps on these:<\/p>\n

2025 first-round pick (Thunder)<\/strong><\/p>\n

2026 first-round pick (Thunder\/76ers)\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

2027 first-round pick (Thunder)<\/strong><\/p>\n

2028 first-round pick (76ers no swap unprotected)\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

2029 first-round pick (76ers, protected 1-3)<\/strong><\/p>\n

This limited draft capital stems from the infamous George trade<\/a> in 2019. The Clippers sent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a>, Danilo Gallinari<\/a>, and seven first-round picks to Oklahoma City. Powell\u2019s emergence mitigates some of the long-term pain from that deal.<\/p>\n

Keeping the 2025 Pick from OKC<\/h3>\n

Kawhi\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

With a $19.24 million<\/a> cap hit for the 2024-25 season, Powell\u2019s value is clear. He costs less than most third options and helps the Clippers stay under<\/a> the second apron. This financial flexibility avoids harsh penalties, like the freezing of future picks, under the NBA\u2019s new collective bargaining agreement<\/a>. It’s incredibly important for the assets-strapped Clippers to avoid this pick-freezing penalty.<\/p>\n

Norman Powell is Sustaining the Kawhi Leonard Dream<\/h3>\n

Powell\u2019s success allows Clippers fans and management to hold onto hope for a Kawhi-led title run. When healthy, Kawhi remains one of the league\u2019s most dominant<\/a> players. With Powell\u2019s breakout, the front office can rationalize staying the course. Steve Ballmer<\/a> and the Clippers remain committed to competing in the Western Conference. Powell\u2019s contributions keep the dream<\/a> of a Kawhi-led team alive, even if it feels like a long shot.<\/p>\n

Saving the Intuit Dome Launch<\/h3>\n

The Clippers opened the Intuit Dome<\/a> this season, and Powell\u2019s emergence ensured they didn\u2019t debut in obscurity. Alongside James Harden<\/a>, Powell has given fans a reason to fill seats. His play has generated excitement, keeping the team relevant despite Kawhi\u2019s absence.<\/p>\n