Former Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell recently shared his perspective on the team’s decision to trade Paul George to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In an interview, Powell expressed that he saw the trade as a positive development for the Clippers, as it opened up more opportunities for other players, including himself.
A Tweet read,
““I saw it as addition by subtraction. More guys getting opportunities, including myself.” – Norman Powell on losing Paul George ”
“I saw it as addition by subtraction. More guys getting opportunities, including myself.”
– Norman Powell on losing Paul George
(Via @joeylinn_ ) pic.twitter.com/sSd2g0TmgP
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 30, 2024
The Context Behind the Statement
Paul George, a nine-time All-Star, left the Clippers to join the Philadelphia 76ers during the offseason. His departure marks a significant shift for the Clippers, who have relied heavily on his performance alongside Kawhi Leonard. George’s move to the Eastern Conference was driven by contract negotiations, as he sought a better deal than what the Clippers were willing to offer.
Norman Powell ‘s Addition by Subtraction: What Does It Mean?
Norman Powell’s phrase “addition by subtraction” suggests that losing a key player like Paul George could actually benefit the team by providing more opportunities for other players to step up. This concept isn’t new in sports; it often implies that the departure of a star player can lead to a more balanced and cohesive team dynamic.
Powell believes that the Clippers’ depth has been underutilized due to the presence of high-usage players like George. With George gone, Powell and other players will have the chance to showcase their full potential. This sentiment is echoed by other team members, including James Harden, who also expects to take on a more significant role this season.
The Clippers’ New Look
The Clippers are entering the 2024-25 season with several changes. They have moved to their new home, the Intuit Dome, and have introduced a new logo, uniforms, and color scheme. These changes symbolize a fresh start for the team, which is now built around Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
Powell’s optimism about the upcoming season is shared by the Clippers’ management and fans. The team has re-signed key players and added depth to their roster, aiming to remain competitive in the Western Conference. Despite the challenges posed by George’s departure and Leonard’s injury history, the Clippers are determined to prove their critics wrong.
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