Since the 2022 NBA trade deadline, the LA Clippers have made quite the acquisitions to their roster. These players can not only impact both ends of the floor, but they are willing leaders who utilize their experience to the best of their abilities. Winning championships goes far beyond talent and coaching. Based on the current roster, the LA Clippers have it all.
Moreover, next to superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the LA Clippers do not have an established third star. As of right now, there are a select few players that meet the criteria as another star to head coach Tyronn Lue. These two players are two-way play-maker John Wall and three-level scorer Norman Powell.
In addition, the minutes of Leonard and George will likely be load-managed throughout the season. There may be multiple games at a time when the LA Clippers’ third star will be expected to take full command on both ends of the court. Last season was a perfect example of how a third option can be considered the team’s best player on a nightly basis.
In an 82-game season, players on the roster will inevitably get injured. In the LA Clippers’ case, they have two players who can excel in their role as a third star for Lue’s rotation. Another significant factor in deciding who the third option will be is their availability. Out of Wall and Powell, only one checks off the requirements to succeed in this role.
The sharpshooting wing, Norman Powell, would be the ideal third star for the LA Clippers this season.
Acquiring Norman Powell was an immensely underrated move for the LA Clippers. On the offensive side of the ball, Powell attracts defenders no matter where he is on the court. This season, Lue will likely utilize Powell as a point guard, making him even more versatile than he already was.
Not to mention, Powell is as efficient as can be regarding three-level scoring. Throughout his seven years playing in the NBA, Powell has a field-goal percentage of 46.3, a three-point percentage of 38.4, and a true shooting percentage of 58.8. These efficiencies are similar to some of the best scorers in the NBA.
Although the western conference is loaded with talent, Powell will likely be in the conversation of a first-time All-Star. Additionally, a part of his game that is often overlooked is his lock-down defensive abilities. There will be several games throughout the season where he will be assigned to the opposing team’s best player. Clipper fans should not worry, as Powell’s hands and instincts are some of the best in the league.
Norman Powell said his personal goal this season is to prove that he's an All-Star and a starting two-guard.
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) September 26, 2022
Furthermore, Powell should encounter no problems handling the burdens as the LA Clippers’ third star. However, Lue will likely adjust his responsibilities as the season progresses. Outside of Leonard and George, no player on the current roster will have a consistent role for the entirety of the season.
That said, Lue is fortunate to have a talent like Powell next to Leonard and George. His contributions will be one of the most important in the LA Clippers’ championship hopes this season. If Powell performs as expected, opposing teams will have difficulty keeping up with the Clippers on both ends of the floor.