Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell seemingly threw a sly dig toward Paul George, who left for the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency, according to ClutchPoints’ veteran reporter Tomer Azarly.
During the team’s annual media day, Powell said in his presser that letting go of the nine-time NBA All-Star is an “addition by subtraction” because it opens up new opportunities for him and his teammates.
“I saw it as addition by subtraction. Like I said, more guys get more opportunities, not only myself. I was excited,” Powell said in the interview.
This summer, the Los Angeles Clippers used the additional financial flexibility George’s exit created by adding quality pieces, such as free agents Derrick Jones Jr., Kevin Porter Jr., Kris Dunn, Nicolas Batum, and Mo Bamba. They also re-signed James Harden and Ivica Zubac to multiyear contract extensions.
As for Norman Powell, he is expected to take Paul George’s spot in the starting lineup, or at least have more playing time.
The one-time NBA champion was one of the top candidates for last season’s Sixth Man of the Year trophy after averaging 13.9 points and 2.6 rebounds on 48.6 percent shooting from the field and 43.5 percent from three-point range in 76 regular season games (three starts).
Kawhi Leonard speaks up on Paul George’s departure from the Los Angeles Clippers
Kawhi Leonard also weighed in on Paul George’s departure from Los Angeles, saying his mindset remains the same ahead of the new campaign.
“I don’t feel like it’s going to be harder for me personally. For anybody I’m on the court with, I don’t look at him to be my savior. I take my own role and the challenges that I have to face each and every game, then try to dominate the game,” Leonard explained.
As is the case every year, the Los Angeles Clippers need a 100 percent fit Kawhi Leonard to be a viable contender in the Western Conference.
