Norman Powell confirms Clippers are 'excited to prove media wrong'

The L.A. Clippers endured a difficult summer, losing Paul George and Russell Westbrook to free agency. However, the front office pivoted quickly to rebuild the rotation and provide head coach Ty Lue with established talent. Nicolas Batum, Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., Kevin Porter Jr. and Mo Bamba all joined the franchise.

With the new influx of talent, Lue's roster projects to have more balance than in previous years. The front office has drastically improved the perimeter and wing defense with the summer moves. However, the media has continued to write off the Clippers' chances of success in the upcoming season, citing the loss of George and Kawhi Leonard's prolonged injury issues as potential death knells.

During a media availability on Tuesday, two-way wing Norman Powell took a defiant stance when asked about the Clippers' chances. He noted that other players on the roster are in a position to embrace expanded roles, and he's experienced success after similar circumstances earlier in his career.

"I know media and outlets like to write us off because we don’t have PG and Russ," Powell said. "… I’ve been on a team that lost a superstar and were still top five in East… guys will be able to expand (roles)… and excited to prove media wrong."

In truth, the Clippers' chances of success rest firmly on Leonard's availability. During a recent news conference, Lawrence Frank, who is the team's president of basketball operations, avoided providing a timeline for when Leonard will return to the court. The aging superstar is currently recovering from surgery on his troublesome right knee.

"I think the timing is all going to depend on how his knee responds to each phase," Frank said. "No one has a crystal ball. We’re trending in a really, really good direction. I know he’s super determined to have a great year, but the timing when it comes to your body and your health, I don’t think you put time frames on it. I think you just have to respond to how he responds."

Without Leonard in the rotation, the Clippers will heavily rely on James Harden. He has proved capable of carrying a team before. However, his advancing years make it less than ideal to put such a significant weight on him again.

Still, if Leonard can return to health during the season and Harden continues to prove himself as one of the best guards in the NBA, Powell's comments could ring true. One thing's for sure: you can't write off the Clippers just yet, they're too talented for that.