Toronto Raptors: Whose stock is rising/falling, plus two career-nights

Norman Powell – Stock Up

Has anyone been a better bench contributor this season than Norman Powell?

Since returning from injury, Powell has rejuvenated his career with some strong performances in big moments, he’s been rewarded with more stable and meaningful minutes and has delivered each time.

Powell has averaged 9.7 points per game in the 23 games he’s featured in and has been the most consistent bench player in that time.

This week was much of the same for Norman Powell, who played a big role in all three games this week, particularly in the victory against the 76ers. Powell played a pivotal role with a bench unit that thwarted off several attempts of a comeback from a Sixers line-up that included Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.

While that should be seen as a failure from a talented Sixers squad, we really do need to commend Norm and the second unit for their efforts in the game. Powell finished with 14 points on 5-6 shooting from the field and 4-6 from the free throw line.

His three-point shooting has been a pleasant surprise this season too, Powell is shooting 37-percent on just over two attempts a game. That doesn’t necessarily equate to him being a good three-point shooter, but it’s nice to see that he can knock them down with some modicum of effectiveness.

It ties into how much more assured Powell looks on the court this season, his turnover percentage has dropped by 2.9-percent and his true shooting percentage increased by over 10-percent. Things are heading in the right direction for one of the most disappointing stories of last year, the Norman Powell redemption tour is in full effect.