Averaging 23.7 Points! Can 31-Year-Old Norman Powell Make the All-Star Team?

The 2025 NBA All-Star voting has officially opened, and the Los Angeles Clippers wasted no time promoting Norman Powell as a deserving candidate. In a recent social media post, the Clippers proclaimed, “Norman Powell is an All-Star this season.” While such endorsements are common, Powell’s performance this season has made the case compelling.

A Career-Defining Season

Norman Powell has been nothing short of exceptional during the 2024-25 season. Take his recent game against the Dallas Mavericks as an example. With Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving sidelined for Dallas, Powell seized the opportunity, delivering a stellar performance: 38 minutes, 10-of-19 shooting, 4-of-8 from three, and a perfect 5-of-5 from the free-throw line, resulting in 29 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.

This was no isolated incident. In the Clippers’ previous game against the Utah Jazz, Powell was even more efficient, scoring 29 points on 12-of-16 shooting, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc. His +33 plus-minus highlighted his impact in a blowout victory.

Comparing This Season to Last

Powell’s rise in prominence this season has been remarkable. Through 21 games, he has posted five games with 30 or more points and is averaging 23.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals in 32.5 minutes per game. This marks a massive leap from last season, where he played 76 games but failed to score 30+ points even once. He averaged 13.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in just 26.2 minutes per game.

The departure of Paul George and Russell Westbrook, combined with Kawhi Leonard’s absence due to injury, has created an expanded role for Powell. His usage rate has jumped to a career-high 26.5% from 19.3% last season, but what’s most impressive is that his efficiency has not only sustained but improved.

Elite Efficiency

Powell’s shooting percentages this season are career-best: 50.3% from the field, an eye-popping 48.5% from three-point range, and 84.1% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage stands at a league-leading 65.2%.

To put his three-point shooting into perspective, Powell is attempting 8.0 threes per game. Among the 24 players in the league attempting at least 8 threes per game, Powell’s 48.5% accuracy ranks first, well ahead of the second-place Payton Pritchard, who is shooting 43.4% on 9 attempts per game.

Impact on the Clippers

Powell’s offensive explosion has been a driving force for the Clippers. When he is on the court, the Clippers score 111.3 points per 100 possessions and outscore opponents by 4.6 points per 100 possessions. In contrast, when Powell is off the court, the team’s offensive rating drops to 104.3, with a net rating of just +1.4.

The lineup featuring James Harden, Powell, Ivica Zubac, Derrick Jones Jr., and Kris Dunn has been the Clippers’ most effective unit this season, scoring 121.7 points per 100 possessions while outscoring opponents by 18.2 points per 100 possessions.

Advanced Metrics

Powell’s offensive impact is further reflected in advanced statistics. His Offensive Box Plus-Minus (OBPM) this season is +4.4, a significant leap from his previous career-high of +1.2 during the 2021-22 season. Among all Clippers players, Powell leads the team in OBPM, surpassing even James Harden (+3.2).

On a league-wide scale, Powell’s OBPM ranks 17th, ahead of notable players like Nikola Vučević, Tyler Herro (currently 10th in MVP voting), Franz Wagner, Victor Wembanyama, and Alperen Şengün.

A Late-Career Breakout

At 31 years old, Powell’s resurgence is particularly striking. Drafted 46th overall in 2015, Powell was often labeled as a role player with limited upside, valued primarily for his scoring ability. This season, however, he has shattered those perceptions, becoming one of the most efficient offensive players in the league.

The All-Star Debate

Despite his stellar play, Powell’s path to the All-Star Game remains challenging, primarily due to the depth of talent in the Western Conference backcourt. Players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Luka Dončić, Kyrie Irving, Ja Morant, Anthony Edwards, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, and Powell’s own teammate James Harden are all vying for spots. Many of these players have established star power and are considered locks for the All-Star roster.

Powell’s chances will likely depend on the Clippers’ performance leading up to the All-Star break. If the team can improve their standing from fifth in the West to a top-two seed, coaches might reward Powell’s contributions to the team’s success.

A Remarkable Achievement

Regardless of whether he makes the All-Star team, Powell’s season has been a triumph. For a player often overshadowed by bigger names and relegated to a supporting role, breaking into the All-Star conversation is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

As Powell himself said after the win against the Mavericks, “Man, everyone, vote for me for the All-Star Game.” While the odds may be stacked against him, Powell’s incredible season ensures that his name will remain part of the conversation. And who knows? The All-Star stage might just be within reach.