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Toronto Raptors: 4 biggest improvements to make after one month of 2020-21 season

By Stephen Nixon

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 18: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 18: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors, Norman Powell
TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 14: Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles against Cody Martin #11 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at Amalie Arena on January 14, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

2. Trade Norman Powell

In a perfect world, the Raptors would keep Powell and have him as a reliable bench player, but his price-tag rises with each passing game. Instead of keeping him until he becomes a free agent, Toronto should trade him to get the most out of his contract.

Over the past two seasons, Powell has averaged 16.0 and 13.9 points per game. That is stellar production for someone averaging around 25 minutes per night. Powell definitely has some heat-check moments in him, as he has topped 20 points per game five times this season. However, based on how this team is structured, they could use his $11 million per season to upgrade their starting roster.

The team is already set with VanVleet, Siakam and OG Anunoby, who has really impressed over the last few weeks, for the next few seasons, but could use Powell’s salary to attract another superstar player to join them. Powell is a good player off the bench, but his star potential is lacking given his streaky play.

Powell is the type of player that could be a starter on a bottom-feeder in the NBA, but is best suited as the seventh or eighth-best guy on a contender. Raptors fans know all about that, as if it wasn’t for a few big games by him against the Bucks in the 2018 championship run as a key reserve, Toronto might not have made it to the Finals.

It’s not going to happen every night, but Powell can provide great production and depth on a good NBA roster. The Raptors should use this opportunity to ship him out for a draft pick because he’s most likely going to cost too much to sign in a year.