Toronto Raptors: 6ix Takes – This team must get healthy

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 1: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Royce O'Neale #23 of the Utah Jazz defends during the first half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on January 1, 2019 in Toronto, 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. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

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Toronto Raptors – Norman Powell (Photo by Ron Turenne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. Norman Powell has been sensational since returning from injury

I don’t care what the numbers say…Norman Powell’s play since returning from a 21-game absence has been very encouraging. He is attacking the rim, inviting contact and being aggressive. Precisely what Raptor fans got used to seeing when he burst onto the scene two seasons ago.

Stormin’ Norman finding his game is great news in an otherwise rough stretch for Toronto. Make no mistake, across the board they need to improve their shot-making, but if Powell can continue his current level of play, it will go a long way in shoring up the bench’s production moving forward.

With Lowry out of the lineup, the team is relying too heavily on the likes of VanVleet, Kawhi, and Siakam to initiate the offense. Powell has been aggressive over the past seven games and appears to be finding his place within Nick Nurse’s offensive scheme.

Revisiting Take #2, Powell’s run of good form could give Nurse enough of a reason to rest Danny Green. Since returning from injury, Powell has overtaken CJ Miles in the rotation, and while I’m not recommending Nurse insert Powell into the team’s starting lineup, perhaps giving him some of Green’s minutes over the next little while will help both over the long run.

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