Norman Powell is focused on securing a starting position with the Los Angeles Clippers as he enters his fourth season with the team.
“Do I want to start? I want to start every year,” Powell said during media day. “That’s what I’m going for, that’s how I see myself. That’s what I was doing before I got traded here.”
Powell is eager to prove himself in training camp and believes his experience and versatility can fill any void the team needs. Before being traded to the Clippers, Powell was a regular starter with the Toronto Raptors, and he hopes to reclaim that role in Los Angeles.
Last season, Powell averaged 13.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. Despite his solid numbers, he started in just 3 out of 76 games for the Clippers. Over the past three seasons, he made 13 starts combined.
With the Clippers facing a packed guard rotation, competition for starting spots will be fierce. The team enters training camp with a deep backcourt featuring players like James Harden, Terance Mann, and Bones Hyland. Powell, however, remains determined to show his value.
“I’m excited to get back to showing in training camp that I should be starting,” Powell added. “I’m ready to fill whatever void or whatever is needed for the team.”
Powell’s ability to score off the bench made him a key piece for the Clippers in previous seasons, but he believes starting would allow him to contribute even more. As the Clippers look to build around their core of Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, Powell’s offensive firepower and defensive skills could complement the team’s star duo.
Coach Tyronn Lue has yet to reveal his lineup plans for the season, but Powell’s experience and drive to start will likely weigh into the decision-making process. In a roster with multiple players capable of playing the guard and forward positions, versatility will be crucial for securing minutes.
The Clippers’ lineup for the upcoming season is still fluid, but Powell is ready to step up regardless of the role assigned to him. His focus on earning a starting spot is clear, but he also emphasized the importance of doing whatever is needed to help the team succeed.
With training camp underway, Powell is preparing to compete for a place in the starting five, knowing the competition will be tough. He’s looking forward to showing that he can be a reliable starter, not just a scoring option off the bench.