Clippers’ Norman Powell gets his flowers from Stephen A. Smith — ‘Instant offense’

The NBA is a league of superstars, where the big names often eclipse the contributions of their supporting cast. It’s refreshing to see a player like Norman Powell, a career-long role player loved by both teammates and the fans of the teams he has been a part of (most notably the Toronto Raptors), receive acclaim for his instrumental role in the Los Angeles Clippers’ success. Recently, the spotlight turned to Powell thanks to none other than ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who lauded the guard’s scoring prowess and bestowed upon him a new moniker: the modern-day Vinnie “The Microwave” Johnson, symbolizing his ability to heat up quickly and provide “instant offense” for his team.

Stephen A. Smith, known for his passionate, insightful, and oftentimes controversial commentary on the NBA, didn’t hold back in his praise for Powell. “This brother is a shot maker,” Smith declared, “My new nickname for him, he is the modern day [Vinnie ‘the Microwave’ Johnson]. Norman Powell… we gotta start giving him some love because that brother is instant offense.”

This emphasized Powell’s reliability and efficiency on the court. By comparing him to Vinnie Johnson, a key figure in the Detroit Pistons’ “Bad Boys” era who earned his nickname for his ability to score in red-hot bursts, Smith highlighted Powell’s similar impact with the Clippers. Johnson, who played a pivotal role in the Pistons’ back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990, was celebrated for his scoring off the bench, a trait Powell has mirrored with his performances.

Norman Powell’s journey in the NBA is one of perseverance and gradual ascent. Drafted by the Toronto Raptors in 2015, Powell has gained popularity following his trade to the Clippers in 2021. With the Clippers, Powell has found a role that leverages his strengths, particularly his scoring ability, which has been crucial for the team during tight games and crucial moments. His agility, sharpshooting, and knack for making high-powered plays have made him an invaluable asset, especially when the team needs a spark off the bench.

Powell’s ability to provide instant offense has been a key factor in the Clippers’ strategy. In a league where the pace of play is faster than ever and scoring bursts can shift the momentum of games, having a player of Powell’s caliber is a luxury. His scoring versatility, capable of hitting three-pointers, mid-range jump shots, and driving to the basket, complicates defensive schemes and creates opportunities for his teammates.

Stephen A. Smith’s comparison of Powell to Vinnie Johnson is not just about their scoring ability but also the impact they have on their teams’ success. Just as Johnson was a crucial piece in the Pistons’ championship runs, Powell’s contributions have been vital for the Clippers, especially in clutch situations. The nickname “instant offense” underscores the immediate impact Powell has when he steps on the court, ready to score and change the complexion of the game at a moment’s notice.

The recognition from a figure like Stephen A. Smith is significant. It not only highlights Powell’s contributions but also brings to the forefront the importance of role players in the NBA. Stars may capture the headlines, but basketball is a team sport where every player’s contribution is vital. Powell’s recognition serves as a reminder of the value of players who may not always be in the spotlight but whose roles are indispensable to their teams’ success. Keep an eye out for Stromin’ Norman as the season progresses and the Clippers look to make a championship run.