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Toronto Raptors season report cards: Grades for each Individual

By Jordan Skuse

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 27: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors speaks to the media after Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Washington Wizards during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 27: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors speaks to the media after Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Washington Wizards during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 29: Norman Powell
TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 29: Norman Powell /

Norman Powell

Norman Powell spent most of this season trying to find the version of #24 that convinced Toronto to invest $48 million in him. Growing pains were inevitable in a season billed as a “culture reset”. For Powell, the growth was exceptionally painful, and ultimately, debilitating.

After emerging as a fan-favourite and more importantly, as a true impact player in the 2016-17 playoffs, Powell failed to follow it up in 2017-18. While featured in 70 games, Stormin’ Norman saw fewer than ten minutes of game action 20 times this season. He never once scored more than 20 points in a game.

His playoff performance was a far cry from the one that made Toronto fall in love with him…

There would be no Clark Kent sightings in these playoffs. In 10 games, Powell received four DNPs, playing a grand total of 40 minutes in six games.

Pinpointing what Powell did well this season is difficult considering he barely played. Most times his number was called, he looked lost – driving recklessly to the hoop, leaving his feet with no concept of where the ball should go next. Saying he had a tendency to force things would be an understatement.

First and foremost, Powell needs to slow down. He, along with 99 percent of players, are at their best when they let the game come to them. As a player, the game has a way of dictating what you should do. Norm Powell will do well to better understand that. We must not forget what sort of player he can be when he’s playing with confidence – life’s most coveted and fragile form of currency.

The road back to relevancy requires Powell to regain the confidence he benefitted from in 2016-17.

GRADE: F (both regular season + playoffs

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