Norman Powell Raises Clippers’ Title Ceiling In Major Way

Norman Powell, LA Clippers, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

The LA Clippers have been hit hard by injuries this NBA season but that did not stop the front office from making a big move. While it may not get them to a title this season, the Clippers are set up in a better position for years to come.

Norman Powell was acquired, along with Robert Covington, from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Eric Bledsoe, Justise Winslow, Keon Johnson, and a second-round pick in 2025. Powell signed a five-year, $90 million deal with the Blazers after being traded from the Toronto Raptors last season. It is clear that Portland wanted to shed cap space and the Clippers were able to take advantage.

Kawhi Leonard has not played this season as he continues to rehab a torn ACL. Paul George suffered a tear in his UCL of his shooting elbow and will continue to miss significant time. Since the injuries, the Clippers have leaned on Marcus Morris Sr. and Reggie Jackson. Now, Powell can be thrown into the mix.

Powell has impressed since coming to Los Angeles. He followed up a 28-point performance in his debut with a 16-point game on Tuesday. Powell is shooting 53.6% from the field in those two games and is 5-for-11 from three-point range. He will continue to be a focal point of the offense until Los Angeles is able to get healthy.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Latest Intel Surrounding All 30 NBA Teams Entering Trade Deadline

This might not happen until next season but the organization continues to improve. Since the duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George came to town, Los Angeles has had enormous pressure to come out of the Western Conference and they have been unable to do so. Powell seems like a strong third option that could help them get to the next level.

For Powell, this is more than an on-the-court fit. He played his college ball at UCLA so the homecoming has a great storyline. He now reunites Leonard and Serge Ibaka, who were all part of the championship team in Toronto. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Latest Intel Surrounding All 30 NBA Teams Entering Trade Deadline

Since 2017, Powell has taken his offensive game to the next level. This began in Toronto and continued with the Blazers. His confidence has grown and he is not a legitimate threat from all three levels. At 6-foot-4, Powell has good size for a wing and knows his role on the floor. The Clippers have struggled with depth but have made some improvements recently.

Jackson signed a new deal in the offseason and now Powell is part of the mix. He is in the first year of his five-year deal and has plenty of team control. This does not have to be a short-term arrangement as the Clippers continue to fight for a championship. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Latest Intel Surrounding All 30 NBA Teams Entering Trade Deadline

There is a new balance of power in the West with the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors leading the way. The LA Clippers might be banged up this season but looking at their roster after the deal to acquire Norman Powell, they will not be down for long.

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