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Toronto Raptors: Ranking Raptors players in 2018-19

By Jordan Fleguel

TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 30: Kyle Lowry #7 and Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors high five during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves January 30, 2018 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - JANUARY 30: Kyle Lowry #7 and Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors high five during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves January 30, 2018 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 29: Norman Powell
TORONTO, ON – DECEMBER 29: Norman Powell /

#12 Norman Powell

Norman Powell is in an awkward spot.  After signing a four-year extension in 2017, things haven’t exactly gone as planned.  Powell was a revelation for the Raptors in the 2016 playoffs and was solid for them in 2016-17 as well.

Powell’s minutes fell off a cliff last year, and soon he found himself out of the rotation. This was a surprise to almost everyone.

After the Raptors had traded away Terence Ross for Serge Ibaka, Powell was next in line to start at small forward, and that is exactly what he did. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long for Powell, as he was barely receiving anytime by the end of last season.

This wasted year is what hurts his position on this list more than anything.  We simply haven’t seen him play in a while.

With DeRozan gone, and theoretically more minutes available at the shooting guard spot, it’s possible that Powell could turn it around this season.  He’ll need an improved jump-shot and the same fire and energy he showed in the 2016 playoffs to counteract his lack of size.

Nick Nurse would be wise to give Powell a second chance this season since Powell’s best attributes emerge when he’s given a longer leash.  Powell is visibly nervous when he plays knowing that one mistake will send him right back to the bench, so Nurse will need to reassure Powell that the organization believes in him, otherwise another wasted year is inevitable.

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