Draymond GreenForward, Golden State Warriors

Norman Powell has BEEN ready to step up for the Clippers #nba #basketball

14 Dec 2024 · 1 min

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In this interview excerpt, NBA veteran Norman Powell reflects on his long‑standing confidence that he could step into a larger role with the Los Angeles Clippers. He describes how he has closely observed franchise players such as DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Kuzma, Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard, and CJ McCollum, internalizing their high‑standard approaches to the game. Powell emphasizes that his work ethic matches—or exceeds—those of the team’s stars, and that staying ready, prepared, and resilient through the "ups and downs" has positioned him to embrace his first full‑season leadership opportunity. He frames the upcoming season as a learning experience, pledging to lean on his teammates and not shy away from challenges.

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I always believed that I could do this, you know? And I always wanted the opportunity, like, because I feel that I can produce. I can do this. Like, I've seen it up close. I've had it in stints and spurts. I've learned. I've watched the guys in front of me— DeMar, Kyle, Kawhi operate, Dame, CJ. Like, I've seen how these franchise players and organizations that hold these guys to a high standard operate and approach the game. And I have the same mentality. I have the same approach. I have the same work ethic, if not more. It was just about staying ready and staying prepared and believing in myself through all the ups and downs and, uh, just waiting. And with this opportunity here, I'm ready for it. The ups and downs, like, you can lean on me, you know what I'm saying? I'm gonna be ready for it. I'm not gonna shy away from everything. Like, it's gonna be a learning experience because this is my first time, you know, in the league actually having this leadership role for a full season.