Is Powell the NBA's Most Underrated Player? Stats and Analysis Reveal the Truth

I remember the first time I watched Norman Powell play for the Toronto Raptors back in 2017. He was explosive, aggressive, and played with this chip on his shoulder that immediately caught my attention. Fast forward to today, and I find myself constantly wondering why this man doesn't get the recognition he truly deserves. When I look at his career trajectory and current performance with the Los Angeles Clippers, the numbers tell a fascinating story that many analysts seem to overlook.

Let's talk about Powell's scoring efficiency because honestly, it's borderline elite. This season, he's averaging 16.8 points per game while shooting 48.7% from the field and an impressive 43.5% from three-point range. Those aren't just good numbers—they're All-Star caliber efficiency that places him among the top shooting guards in the league. What blows my mind is how consistent he's been despite fluctuating minutes and role changes throughout his career. I've tracked his performance across different teams and systems, and his offensive rating consistently hovers around 115, which is significantly above league average. The advanced metrics love him too—his player efficiency rating of 16.8 doesn't jump off the page, but when you contextualize it with his usage rate and defensive contributions, you start to see the complete picture.

Defensively, Powell has developed into exactly the kind of two-way player that championship teams crave. He's averaging 1.1 steals per game this season, but that number doesn't capture how disruptive he is on that end of the floor. I've watched him guard everyone from point guards to power forwards, using his 6'11" wingspan to bother shooters and force turnovers. His defensive win shares have consistently been positive throughout his career, which tells me he's not just putting up empty calorie stats—he's genuinely impacting winning basketball.

What really stands out to me about Powell, though, is his playoff performance. Remember the 2019 championship run with Toronto? He was absolutely crucial in several series, particularly against Milwaukee where he provided explosive scoring off the bench. In high-pressure situations, his true shooting percentage actually improves, which is rare for role players. During last year's playoffs with the Clippers, he put up 21.8 points per game while shooting 47% from deep. Those aren't just good numbers—they're superstar-level efficiency when the lights are brightest.

There's this quote from Philippine basketball that keeps coming to mind when I think about Powell's career: "Kung ano yung desisyon ko, dapat i-respect niyo kasi nire-respect ko rin yung sa kanila." Roughly translated, it means "Whatever decision I make, you should respect it because I also respect yours." This perfectly encapsulates Powell's approach to his role and career decisions. He's bounced between starting and bench roles, between being a primary option and complementary piece, yet he's never publicly complained or forced his way out. Instead, he's respected each team's decision while continuing to produce at a high level. In today's NBA where players often demand specific roles or minutes, Powell's professionalism is both refreshing and underappreciated.

I've noticed how his game has evolved over the years too. Early in his career, he was mostly a slasher and transition threat. Now? He's developed into one of the most reliable catch-and-shoot players in the league, hitting 44% of his corner threes this season while maintaining his ability to attack closeouts. His mid-range game has become more polished, and he's shooting 52% on two-point field goals—better than several All-Stars at his position. The development isn't accidental either. I've spoken with trainers who've worked with him, and they consistently mention his work ethic and basketball IQ.

When you compare Powell to players who receive more media attention and All-Star consideration, the disparity becomes almost comical. Jordan Clarkson won Sixth Man of the Year in 2021 with numbers Powell has matched or exceeded in multiple seasons. Tyler Herro gets significantly more buzz despite Powell having comparable or better efficiency metrics across the board. Even within his own team, Powell often gets overshadowed by bigger names, yet when you actually watch Clippers games, you'll notice how often he's making winning plays in crucial moments.

The advanced analytics community has started to catch on, with several metrics rating Powell as a top-75 player in the league, but that still feels low to me based on what I've observed. His net rating of +5.3 this season suggests the Clippers are significantly better when he's on the floor, and his impact goes beyond traditional box score numbers. He spaces the floor, makes smart cuts, rarely turns the ball over, and understands defensive rotations at an elite level.

Looking at his contract situation only reinforces my argument about him being underrated. He's making around $18 million annually, which puts him in the range of players like Duncan Robinson and Tim Hardaway Jr.—good players, but neither provides Powell's two-way impact or playoff pedigree. In today's market, Powell would likely command $25+ million annually if he were a free agent, yet you rarely hear his name mentioned among the league's most valuable contracts.

After watching hundreds of his games and analyzing his impact from every angle, I'm convinced Norman Powell belongs in the conversation as the NBA's most underrated player. He's the prototype of the modern NBA wing—efficient, versatile, and reliable in big moments. While he may never make an All-Star game or lead the league in scoring, his consistent excellence on both ends of the floor makes him invaluable to any contender. The stats don't lie, and neither does the eye test—it's time we start giving Powell the recognition he's earned through nearly a decade of quiet excellence.