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Midseason Grades For The Toronto Raptors

By Justin Rowan

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Jan 15, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) dribbles the ball up court as New York Knicks guard Sasha Vujacic (18) defends in the second half at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors won 116-101. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) dribbles the ball up court as New York Knicks guard Sasha Vujacic (18) defends in the second half at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors won 116-101. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Norman Powell

Grade: B
Stats: 6.1 points, 1.5 rebounds per game. 45 FG%, 37.5 3P%.

Like Poeltl earlier, Norman Powell is a victim of circumstance. While Powell had the ability to be an X-factor for the Raptors, the team’s depth has limited his opportunity. Beyond backing up an All-Star in DeMar DeRozan, Powell also has to fight for minutes with the emerging Terrence Ross.

Last season Powell made his mark on the team filling in for DeMarre Carroll. Without a Carroll injury, Powell has been forced to stay in a smaller role. His 14.4 minutes to game is comparable to the 14.8 last season.

However, he hasn’t been able to make a big enough impression to warrant more minutes.

Ultimately I’d like to see more playmaking from Powell. He takes good care of the ball, but rarely creates opportunities for others. He presents Toronto with a solid three-and-D option off the bench.

But with the marksmanship Ross brings to the table, the way for Powell to stand out would be to bring some additional playmaking.

Until he brings something someone else isn’t bringing, it’ll be hard for him to get more time, especially once Jared Sullinger returns and there are fewer minutes at power forward available for he and Carroll.

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