Toronto Raptors: Three Players who must step up in Orlando

Guard-Norman Powell

Originally drafted in the 2nd-round back in 2015 by the Milwaukee Bucks and then traded to Toronto, Norman Powell has rediscovered his game this season. At the time the NBA season was suspended, Powell was averaging 16.4 points a game and is a near 40% shooter from behind the three-point line.

After signing a four-year 40 million dollar deal in 2017 and being named a starter for the 2017/18 season, Powell’s development stalled. It appeared he had maximized his talent that season after starting just 18 games before rookie OG Anunoby replaced him in the starting lineup.

This season, with Danny Green departing for the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency, it seemed Powell would regain his starting role at shooting guard. Instead, head coach Nick Nurse chose to start Fred Vanvleet. Despite that snub, Powell has been electric when he has been able to play.

Norman Powell needs to step up his game in Orlando if the Raptors are to be successful. First, Powell needs to continue his torrent scoring pace. In his last full three games, before the season was suspended, Powell scored 94 points for an average of 31.3 per game. Along with Terence Davis, Powell can shoot off of the dribble and create his shot on the Raptors’ second unit.

Norman Powell will also need to stay healthy. The one thing marring an otherwise splendid season is that he has only played in 44 of the Raptors 66 games this season. Powell’s last appearance lasted 1:35 seconds due to an injury on March 9th, 2020.