Clippers' Powell: 'No egos' on this team
Los Angeles Clippers wing Norman Powell believes the fun atmosphere surrounding the team has allowed them to achieve success early in the season.
"I think this year we have guys who are really team-oriented and team-focused on both sides of the ball who are willing to learn, grow, and have the mentality of doing whatever it takes to win," Powell told HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. "Everybody's coachable and focused on the task at hand. There are no egos. I think the atmosphere has been a lot of fun."
He added, "It's not to knock or say anything - (we're) more team-oriented and less star-dominant. It's hard to get four superstars on a team to mesh."
Last season, the Clippers were led by Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden. However, the Big Three struggled to find success and George departed for the Philadelphia 76ers this past offseason after five seasons with the Clippers.
George was met with a chorus of boos from fans when the 76ers visited the Clippers earlier this season. He called the crowd's reaction "stupid" after the game.
Powell compared the Clippers' failed attempt at a superteam to the successful Golden State Warriors, who won two championships with rosters that included Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
"When you're coming and trying to build a team quickly, some things don't work out as well, especially if you're injury-prone because then you have guys in and out. ... You don't get that chemistry," said Powell.
George struggled with injuries his first four seasons in L.A., missing 139 of 328 possible regular-season games. Leonard's time with the Clippers since joining in 2019 has also been severely hampered by a knee injury. The 33-year-old has missed 47.2% of regular-season contests since signing, including all of 2021-22 and all 24 games so far this campaign.
Powell has emerged as a star in Leonard's absence this year, averaging a career-high 23.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists while shooting 50.5% from the field and 50.7% from three.
The Clippers currently sit sixth in the Western Conference with a 14-10 record. They host the 2-seed Houston Rockets on Sunday.