The NBA restart is underway and the Toronto Raptors are beyond ready to continue the season and get ready for their seventh straight playoff appearance.
The Toronto Raptors have already clinched their playoff spot for the 2020 playoffs back during the regular season before it got paused due to COVID-19.
In the playoffs, it seems like every team has that one player who could be their teams x-factor during the playoffs, and for the Toronto Raptors, they could have more than one this year.
With that being said let’s jump into three players on the Toronto Raptors who could potentially be x-factors for them in the playoffs.
3. Terence Davis – 23 years old – SG
2019-20 stats – 64 GP – 7.7 PPG – 3.4 RPG – 1.7 APG – .463 FG% – .396 3P% – .865 FT%
At my number three spot to kick off the list of three Toronto Raptors that could be x-factors in the playoffs, I have rookie Terence Davis. What a debut rookie year for him it was. I think Davis could be an x-factor for this Toronto Raptors team, especially if they go far in the playoffs mainly because he can provide that spark off the bench and bring that energy as well if the team is missing it throughout the game.
Davis averaged a pretty good 7.7 PPG – 3.4 RPG – 1.7 APG coming off the bench and playing limited minutes this season, however when the team was hit with countless injuries he stepped up in that situation and help lead the team to victory multiple times. It felt like he was setting career highs almost every other night while getting more minutes on the floor and truly showcasing his skill and showing how much potential he has at such a young age in his rookie year.
If he can somehow get some starting minutes, which I totally doubt will happen because the Raptors starting five is pretty much the same every night he could potentially continue his tremendous play of basketball like when everyone went down with injuries. However I don’t think happen, so his role will more than likely be an important piece coming off the bench that can contribute every night. (Stats from Basketball-Reference.com)
2. Norman Powell – 27 years old – SG/SF
2019-20 stats – 45 GP – 16.2 PPG – 3.6 RPG – 1.7 APG – .496 FG% – .392 3P% – .841 FT%
At my number two spot on this list, I have someone who should, in my opinion, be a nominee for the most improved player this year, Norman Powell. We all know what a breakout year Powell had this season on the Raptors and he deserves it more than anything because he’s already 27 years old and his talents weren’t shown due to him being a part of the Raptors bench mob for years and playing limited minutes.
I think he could be an x-factor for this Toronto Raptors team simply because of the type of season he had this year, improving his PPG by eight points, his RPG by almost two rebounds and improving his FG% as well, he will be a key factor for this team if their offense is nowhere to be found and he can be that spark for the team.
The thing with Norman Powell as well as he is such a great bench player for this team and can help produce off the bench if the team is struggling with the offence, however, he can easily be as productive on the floor if he starts the game as we’ve seen numerous times this season. (Stats from Basketball-Reference.com)
1. Marc Gasol – 35 years old – C
2019-20 stats – 37 GP – 7.6 PPG – 6.4 RPG – 3.4 APG – .420 FG% – .395 3P% – .737 FT%
At my number one and final spot on this list of three Toronto Raptors that could be X factors in the playoffs, I have the big man, Marc Gasol. It was quite a disappointing season for Gasol as he went down with an injury twice and only played in 37 games this season. However with the pause and now in the bubble, and of course his new look as he’s lost some weight and grew his hair out like prime Marc Gasol, he has given his body the rest need and I think he’s ready for better production on the floor.
It was good that he lost that weight because it makes it easier on his body, being already seven feet tall and that heavy it takes a toll on your body. However, with him losing that weight it will definitely make him more agile and can move around quicker on the floor.
He could be a huge x-factor because of the matchups the Toronto Raptors are going to get in the playoffs with the big men, with him losing weight and hoping to continue where he left off at from last years playoffs he can shut down a lot of the big men he comes against. Hopefully, he can produce a bit more on the offensive side of things as well and maybe get north of 10 PPG. (Stats from Basketball-Reference.com)
Who do you think could be x-factors for the Toronto Raptors in the playoffs this year? Is it Terence Davis, Norman Powell, or even Marc Gasol or is it someone else on the team?