Clippers Have Opportunity To Recreate Powell 2.0 Experience

LOS ANGELES — The Clippers are in another crisis before the season has even found rhythm. Bradley Beal, the 32-year-old guard they signed to replace Norman Powell, will undergo hip surgery and miss the remainder of the year. It’s a devastating blow for a team already without Kawhi Leonard, who remains sidelined by a sprained ankle, and for a franchise that traded scoring and stability for star power that hasn’t materialized. The Clippers can sign Malik Beasley to make the most of this situation.

Clippers Have Opportunity To Recreate Norman Powell 2.0 Experience

A Costly Gamble Gone Wrong

The Clippers moved on from Powell this summer to clear space for Beal, believing the veteran scorer could offer similar production with more playmaking versatility. Powell averaged 21.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists last season while shooting nearly 42 percent from deep. That type of consistency was key to the Clippers success last season as they exceeded expectations.

The Clippers’ gamble looked risky even before Beal’s injury. They also added aging veterans like Chris Paul, Brook Lopez, and Nic Batum, forming a roster that feels more like a farewell tour than a title push. James Harden, 36, remains their offensive hub, but with Leonard’s injuries and Beal’s absence, the burden grows heavier.

The Clippers now sit at 3-8, searching for direction. They traded a reliable scorer in Powell for the hope of one last star run. That move has backfired spectacularly. The irony? The Clippers might have a chance to recreate the Powell experience if they’re bold enough to sign Malik Beasley.

Malik Beasley: The Revival Project

Beasley could be that answer. He’s not Powell — at least not yet — but the potential for a similar impact is there. Last season, Beasley averaged 16.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 42 percent from three. He was the runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year and played all 82 games.

Now, with Beal sidelined and the team desperate for offensive balance, Malik Beasley could fill that scoring void if the Clippers take the risk. His ongoing connection to the NBA’s gambling investigation complicates things, but if cleared, Beasley fits perfectly into the Clippers’ system. With Harden orchestrating, Beasley could become Powell 2.0 — an explosive scorer off the ball, a reliable outlet on the perimeter, and a stabilizing force on a roster short on youth and energy.

For the Clippers to sign him, they would need to make a trade to cut payroll. They are just $1.2 million away from their hard cap. The Clippers became capped at the first apron after using their non-taxpayer mid-level exception to sign Lopez and Beal. Due to the unknown nature of Beasley’s investigation and the moves needed to get him on the team, it’s unlikely we see this move happen any time soon.

Finding Stability in Chaos

The Clippers’ recent roster construction reflects short-term desperation. They chased veterans at the expense of youth. Yet, what made Powell valuable was how seamlessly he complemented Harden and Leonard — not just through scoring, but through professionalism and grit.

If Malik Beasley can replicate that dynamic, the Clippers can salvage what’s left of this season. His shooting would space the floor for Harden, while his energy could restore balance to a veteran-heavy rotation. Unfortunately, bringing him to Los Angeles won’t be an easy path.