The Clippers have faced their fair share of challenges in recent seasons, with high-profile roster additions and lofty expectations often leading to chemistry tensions. There have also been high-profile roster exits. Remember Paul George? And yet, this year feels different. There’s a shift in the locker room dynamics, one that places emphasis on unity over star power, and it’s paying off!

LA is embracing a team-oriented approach, and this new identity is because of the leadership and mindset of players who are committed to one another’s success, while being “coachable and focused on the task at hand”. An aspect, the 9-year veteran guard, Norman Powell, noted in his chat with Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

According to Powell, the atmosphere the team has now is a far cry from what it used to be. And the major reason he mentioned was “there are no egos.” In fact, he explained the contrast between this year’s approach. “I think the way we’re playing with the group of guys that we have—and it’s not to knock or say anything — is more team-oriented and less star-dominant,” he shared.

The 2019 champ further pointed out the difficulties of integrating “4 superstars and Hall of Fame candidates” into the team. Powell remarked that while it may have worked in a franchise like the Warriors, it isn’t exactly a one-size-fits-all solution.

“When you’re coming and trying to build a team quickly, some things don’t work out as well, especially if you’re injury-prone because then you have guys in and out and you don’t get that chemistry,” the 31-year-old said.

Moreover, he acknowledged that this season the focus has shifted from individual accolades or doing things only a certain way to more of a “team-oriented and team-focused on both sides of the ball who are willing to learn, grow, and have the mentality of doing whatever it takes to win.”

It certainly seems to have unlocked something special for a Clippers team trying to establish an identity in LA where they were always the second team. I mean, after PG’s leave-taking, had any of us truly thought they would stand a chance in the stacked Western Conference? Yet, here they are. Not only is Ballmer’s team the sixth seed; they hold that place above hot-shot names like the Nuggets, Wolves, and Suns!

And it just so happens to come in the wake of an emotional confession from the Clippers head coach.

Ty Lue opens up about missing Paul George amid Clippers’ new look

Appearing in the Stephen A. Smith Show recently, Lue had no hesitation in admitting that he missed George. In fact, it was an emotional reflection given Paul was a key figure in the franchise’s plans for years. “We miss PG. When you lose a talent like PG, who can score the basketball, who can guard five different positions on the floor. That’s a tough loss,” he confessed to Stephen A.

It was indeed a tough situation. Despite much back-and-forth with contract negotiations, both parties just couldn’t find a mutual ground to agree upon. Of course, that’s just scratching the surface, but you don’t want us to go down that path here.

But like many who understood George’s reasoning behind his move—despite not fulfilling his promise to bring a championship—Lue, too, acknowledged the inevitability of the 9x All-Star’s decision.

“I know he had to do what was best for him and for his family as far as the fourth year… You know, who could turn down the extra $70 million? Especially going to the final stages of your career. So I understood that,” the 3x champ (as a player and coach) said.

As the Clippers move on from Paul George’s presence, the LA team’s collective mindset has proven to be a positive force. And considering Powell’s comments, it’s clear that Ty Lue and his boys are trending in the right direction. As the franchise continues to find its stride, this new dynamic may very well be the key to unlocking its full potential!