Technically a three-team trade, since I have no idea what the Jazz were doing here (not quite sure the Jazz knew either in acquiring Kyle Anderson and Kevin Love), we’ll just focus on the two teams that matter, or to be a little kind (just a little), the two teams with less Mormon-proximity, and that’s the Heat and Clippers.
While we all know that I’m in fact one of the many (dozens) Clippers fans that do in fact exist (I swear), I try not to let it affect my bias, only my gut biome in terms of unhealthy alcohol consumption. In that regard, I can say that John Collins going to the Clippers and Norman Powell going to the Heat is one of those rare transactions that should work swimmingly for all non-Utahians. Totally a word.
So let’s start-off with near-24-25 All Star Norm Powell, who was famous for referring to Paul George’s departure as addition by subtraction. While it was taken as shade, normally when it’s the truth, that tends to soften said shade (more light Aziz!), and no doubt, with increased playing time, Norm went from a solid microwave from the bench (13.9 points in 23-24) to a 21.8/3.2/2.1 starter on 48.2 FG% and 41.8 from three on volume. Personally, I think if Steph wasn’t a legend, Norm would have gotten the nod over him as an All-Star and he certainly helped the Clippers while Kawhi Leonard was on his yearly injury sabbatical.
So what changes in Miami? Nothing really, and that’s the best part. While you’ll see one-dimensional two-guards suffer a bit in the current NBA, I’d call Norm a bit more than that. True, he will always be under-sized, but he came into the league as a true 3-and-D and a lot of that imprint remains. While smaller than most at the two, he has high energy and can be physical at the perimeter. While having a defense with both him and Herro is more of a Heat problem, I still think Norm is a starter and brings the similar production with him no matter the defensive scheme is.
Over on the West Siiiiide is a great situation for John Collins. Kinda forgotten after his stint with Atlanta, John Collins now fills a role that the Clippers had sought after for quite some time, and that’s a true Power Forward. And Collins’ is just that, adding size, shooting and another high-flyer for Harden. While you could point to Collins’ truncated season in terms of games played, this is more from the Jazz’s non-ethical 24-25 tank-job than any long-term health concern. Another potential question mark is his ability to space at the three, but I think it’s for real and he can only grow from his 19/8/2 in 24-25, most likely eclipsing his career 19-20 season with the Hawks where he was able to provide 22/10/2.
So here’s what I have for this one, Norman Powell, you’re getting what you expect, which is an easy-breezy 20 points every night. Collins might be overrated for all the reasons I list, but he also might be underrated. Either way, I like him. And shame on you Utah.
And that’s it for our offseason trade recap series! Up next will be our Free Agency recap and then rankings. Woooo! (Caffeine.)
Jay is a longtime Razzball everything who consumes an egregious amount of Makers Mark as a vehicle to gain wisdom and augment his natural glow. Living in the D.C. area, he also likes spending time visiting the local parks and feeding lettuce to any turtles he encounters, including Mitch McConnell.
