Norman Powell’s injury is a large loss for the Toronto Raptors but this opens doors for the young core to shine. Which three players have benefitted the most?
When Kawhi Leonard left for Los Angeles, the Toronto Raptors lost the main player that they relied on during late-game situations. What Nick Nurse has done so effectively is developing various players’ ability to step into that role for the team.
He began with Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry. Both players gained a lot of touches in the final minutes of close games to build their comfort levels and confidence down the stretch. From this Nurse began giving players like Fred VanVleet, Serge Ibaka, and Norman Powell these same looks.
Before his injury, Powell was a key part of the Raptors approach to late-game situations. He has come up with steals and major three-point buckets. With him out, there is a need to look towards other players.
There’s no doubt about it, Norman Powell has been on fire this season. In 28.2 minutes per-game, he is putting up 15.3 points per game while shooting 57.8 percent from the two-point range and 40.1 percent from beyond the arc.
While throwing up some very effective shooting percentages he has also been grabbing 3.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. His strong defensive game gave the Raptors a reliable two-way player in late-game situations.
He hasn’t been needed as a ball distributor as his playing style and ability to catch and shoot allows him to blend in perfectly with the fluid ball movement that the Raptors have been using this season.
All of this combined with his highlight-reel dunks, that gives a lot of energy to his team and crowd, has been a major loss. But, in turn, his injury has presented a chance for three players, in particular, to benefit and continue to prove themselves.