Toronto Raptors Need To Get Norman Powell Going

If the Toronto Raptors want more impact off their bench, they’ll need to play Norman Powell.

The Toronto Raptors are off to a relatively good start this season. After dismantling the Detroit Pistons, they went toe-to-toe against the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s clear that, like most teams, they are still working their way into game shape.

Despite that, the team is playing sound defense and showing the chemistry that helped power them to the Eastern Conference Finals. The one surprise so far has been how little they have used sophomore guard/forward Norman Powell.

Powell has played a total of two minutes in the first two games of the season. After his strong rookie season, Powell looked poised to be a breakthrough performer for Toronto. Powell averaged per-36 numbers of 13.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists in his rookie year.

This makes his lack of minutes early on so startling.

It’s not like the Raptors don’t need his services either. Powell shot 40.4 percent from behind the arc in his rookie season. He also showed himself to be a strong defensive player as well. Three and D wings are one of the more valuable commodities in the modern NBA.

The shooting Powell could potentially provide is especially valuable for Toronto.

The Raptors are currently shooting 20.6 percent from behind the arc in their first two games. Kyle Lowry is off to a cold start and without his shooting, there aren’t many players that consistently space the floor.

Terrence Ross is also off to a quiet start to this season as well, averaging just two points per game and has yet to hit a three.

Considering the team went with Powell as a starter over Ross last season when DeMarre Carroll went down, it seems funny that they wouldn’t even try him to this point.

While they don’t play the same position, Jared Sullinger‘s injury should theoretically open minutes for Powell. The Raptors big man rotation is thin and coach Dwane Casey has already gone with a few small ball looks early on.

If Carroll is playing power forward, that should open up minutes at small forward for Powell. If you’re going small, having a player that can switch assignments and guard multiple positions is a necessity. With that in mind, Powell should be tailor made for these looks.

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When you pair him with other strong defenders off the bench, such as Cory Joseph and Patrick Patterson, the second unit could be a legitimately disruptive force.

Powell established himself as a fan favorite last year, and it seems as though he has fallen into the same spot in the rotation as former fan favorite, James Johnson. Unlike Johnson, Powell doesn’t have a broken jump shot or the same tendency to go rogue on the court.

Failing to utilize him would be a grave mistake for the Raptors, who require a breakout from within their current roster to take the next step as a team.

We know what DeRozan and Lowry can bring to the table. Reducing the load they shoulder and getting meaningful touches to young players like Valanciunas, Powell, Joseph and their rookies could lead to a fresher and more balanced team for playoffs.

If you don’t establish players now, you won’t be able to rely on them earlier. You also won’t help foster confidence if you scratch a healthy productive player. If you want to develop someone, they require consistent minutes, a defined role, and the breathing room to make mistakes.

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Until Toronto starts providing Powell with those things, the shouldn’t expect dramatic growth from him.

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