Toronto Raptors: End Of Year Report Cards
Norman Powell
Since signing a $42 million extension in 2017 the pressure on Norman Powell has continually increased. The 2017-2018 season went less than ideal for the 25-year old. However, now in the second year of his big money extension Powell is beginning to cash in.
Missing 21 straight games early in the 2018-2019 season may have rejuvenated Powell. He was struggling mightly pre-injury. It appeared as though the expectations of the organization, the fans, and himself were hindering his play.
A lengthy absence due to injury helped changed Powell’s view on the game. It also helped him to refocus his career. Somewhere inside of him, a switch flipped and he returned from injury with a new lease on life.
Powell’s resurgence led to career highs across the board. He played in 18.8 minutes per game and scored 8.6 points. He also shot nearly 50-percent from the field and 40-percent from three-point range.
Yes, Toronto mightily overpaid for Powell’s services. However, as he continues to grow and improve the Raptors will get a return on their investment. He may not be the starter the team hoped he would be but, Powell has carved out a nice roll from himself.
It seems very hard to justify Powell’s salary. On one hand, he has shown flashes of the role play he can be. On the other, his inability to consistently produce in the Playoffs overshadows some of the positives.
This season he earned about $9.4 million. During the next two seasons, he will just over $10 million per year. Should Powell opt into his player option he will earn $11.6 million in 2021.
Powell silenced all his doubters in the Eastern Conference Finals. The 26-year old became an integral part of Toronto’s rotation. He scored an impressive 12.3 points per game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Throughout the first and second round, Powell was a non-factor. However, his ability to overcome adversity helped himself and his team. His resurgence lead helped revitalize the bench and his teammate Fred VanVleet.
Satisfying expectations: 7.5/10
Production relative to contract: 7.5/10
Overall output: 7.5/10
Total score: 22.5/30
Letter grade: B