The LA Clippers will head into this season with a very different team than the one they have become accustomed to over the last several years. Some of the key pieces from last season are still there with Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and Ivica Zubac, among others, returning. But the departure of Paul George forced some major roster changes for LA.
That fact is apparent to everyone involved with the team. Change is difficult, especially when you were so used to your former situation. The Clippers will head into the coming season with Nic Batum, Kevin Porter Jr., Kris Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. all as new additions to the roster that will look to contribute heavily.
There is a general belief among observers that the Clippers are in a position to take a step back, to not be as successful as in previous seasons, and to not be a serious contender in the Western Conference. Those are generally all pretty reasonable assumptions given the loss of George, but many continue to believe LA will be a viable playoff contender.
That includes the Clippers players themselves. At media day, Norman Powell made a rather bold and ambitious statement concerning the loss of PG, saying that he sees it as "addition by subtraction."
Norman Powell says he sees the departure of Paul George as ‘addition by subtraction’ with many capable players able to step into bigger roles and flourish.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) September 30, 2024
Norman Powell thinks George's loss is "addition by subtraction"
The reasoning for Norman's statement is rooted in the many other additions the Clippers were able to make over the summer, citing other capable players on the roster that he believes can step into more meaningful roles and provide legitimate production. I believe Powell hits the nail on the head here.
Yes, on the surface it seems audacious to say the Clippers will have a chance to be better without their second-best player. But Norm's statement of "addition by subtraction" really may not be so far from the truth, especially considering the financial burden that keeping George around would have created.
Essentially, Paul's production can be split up and re-distributed into several other capable players, in just the way that Powell described. Derrick Jones can replace much of his defensive impact, while guys like Kevin Porter can help to offset the loss in a strong ball-handler and off-the-bounce scorer.
Media day is always filled with hot takes and catchy sound bites. But Norm's statement here may not actually be as far-fetched as it may initially appear. Do not be surprised to see the Clippers take extra energy from things like finally being in their own arena and turning it into becoming a stronger team than many are guessing.