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4 former Toronto Raptors having great starts to the 2021-22 season

By Jason Mills

TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 28: Norman Powell #24 of the Portland Trail Blazers and Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors walk on the court during the fourth quarter at Amalie Arena on March 28, 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 28: Norman Powell #24 of the Portland Trail Blazers and Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors walk on the court during the fourth quarter at Amalie Arena on March 28, 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MAY 12: Norman Powell #24 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots over Jordan Clarkson #00 of the Utah Jazz (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

3. Norman Powell, Portland Trail Blazers

Powell played for Toronto as recently as last season before getting dealt away to Portland. The deal brought a younger Gary Trent Jr over to Toronto, and he signed a three-year, $52 million contract. Powell received a five-year, $90 million deal from Portland.

Powell, who averaged 18.6 points per game between Toronto and Portland last season on 41% three-point shooting, rose from an unknown second-round pick This season, he is continuing his march towards becoming one of the best third scoring options in the West, averaging 17.4 points per game.

Former Toronto Raptors star Norman Powell is shooting well in Portland.

This fact makes his scoring exploits even more impressive. Powell has also already posted three 20-plus point games, making up for the lack of scoring without Damian Lillard firing on all cylinders.

This has been highlighted by Portland’s four-point victory over Indiana on Friday, when he scored 25. Powell can score in bunches and consistently. Before moving to Portland from Toronto last season he posted 25 or more points 11 times.

Portland has an early-season record of around .500 with certain stars on the team underperforming at the moment. However the season turns out for the Trail Blazers, Powell will figure in any success they achieve, and Raptors fans have to get a kick out of that.

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