After the NBA announced the complete 2025 All-Star roster, LA Clippers fans were ecstatic yet irate about the final outcome. The former MVP, James Harden, had been selected for the 11th honor of his career, but premiere scoring threat Norman Powell had been snubbed despite his remarkable statistics.
Although Harden earned every bit of his achievement, the Clippers deserved to have two names in the all-star pool. Powell had been playing better than numerous other candidates, yet he was unfortunately left out for unknown reasons.
Harden expressed his opinion in a recent interview: "Norm has had an unbelievable year. I actually sent him a message after the reserves came out. I just told him, 'What you've been doing, I'm just happy to be a part of it. Keep that same swagger because you're a huge part of our success and what we're doing and where we're trying to go."
James Harden on Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac:
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) January 31, 2025
“Norm has had an unbelievable year. I actually sent him a message after the reserves came out. I just told him, ‘What you’ve been doing, I’m just happy to be a part of it. Keep that same swagger because you’re a huge part of our… pic.twitter.com/Sb6dqsvrW4
Furthermore, Powell may not have been an all-star, but he still has the eyes of NBA executives to secure the Most Improved Player award. This is now what the former NBA champion is focused on winning individually, as his points per game averages speak highly of what he has accomplished this season.
Norman Powell's averages for the LA Clippers and streak of 20+ points have allowed him to take home the award months before the season finale.
In 76 games last season, Norman Powell was a star off the second unit for the LA Clippers. He should have at least been a Sixth Man of the Year finalist, but NBA executives snubbed him as they believed other candidates stood ahead.
Moreover, through 45 contests this season, Powell is averaging 24.2 points, shooting 49.6% from the field and 42.8% from three-point territory. Though these numbers are all-star worthy, Powell has won the NBA's Most Improved Player award due to his streak of scoring 20 or more points.
The former UCLA Bruin has scored 20+ points in 22 of his last 26 games, including an 11-game streak.
Additionally, Powell scored a season-high 41 points Thursday night in an overtime victory against the Utah Jazz, proving that the prestigious award is his to win.
That said, no other player in the Most Improved Player race is close to Powell's level of dominance this season. He is also winning games for his team, which adds more fuel to his campaign for the annual selection.