Los Angeles Clippers wing Norman Powell isn’t worried about blending his talents with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, as he told Law Murray of The Athletic.
Powell projects as a sixth man, backing up Leonard, Paul George and Nicolas Batum to varying degrees.
“This what I’ve been doing my whole career,” Powell said. “I know what the team needs. I’ve played with Kawhi before and playing against PG my whole career it seems like. … I think my game is really used to being in different roles, getting different looks. So, I’m not really worried about that. My focus is to stay healthy … I feel like the game is going to work itself out with all the time I put in.”
Powell was acquired by the Clippers from Portland at the trade deadline but fractured a bone in his left foot three games after the deal. He returned for two regular season games in April and also saw action in the play-in tournament.
Powell, who play in the Drew League in Los Angeles over the weekend, says he still has to do extra work to ensure he can play.
“I feel good,” Powell said. “Still going through the rehab process, but I feel good to be able to go full tilt. I have my insoles to help that bone in my foot. Everything is good. No issues, no problems. Hopefully, we can keep it that way so that I can feel healthy going into the season.”
Powell was also traded the previous season to Portland by Toronto at the March 2021 deadline. He’s entering the second year of a five-year, $90MM contract he signed with the Trail Blazers and hopes to settle it with one franchise.
“Really looking forward to having a full season under my belt with one team,” Powell said. “Last two seasons have been up and down, being traded twice and trying to figure all of that out. So, I’m looking forward to being on this team for a full season and being really adjusted with the guys, and to build my foundation out here in L.A.”
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