The Toronto Raptors have assigned Norman Powell to Raptors 905 of the D-League, the team announced Saturday.
Raptors Republic has confirmed that Powell will be in the lineup for the 905 for Saturday’s 2 p.m. tip-off against the Delaware 87ers. It stands to reason that he’ll also be with the team for Sunday’s 2 p.m. tip-off, with a potential recall for the Raptors’ 6 p.m. game down the road possible.
The move makes plenty of sense with the Raptors not practicing Saturday following a back-to-back. Powell has played sparingly, averaging 5.9 minutes over 12 appearances, and a quick assignment is a smart way to keep him fresh and get him a full slate of action for a day (or weekend). After cracking the rotation temporarily due to injuries to DeMarre Carroll and Terrence Ross, Powell’s played mostly in garbage time of late, appearing just four times since Nov. 18 and playing more than five minutes in a game just once in that span.
In his 12 games, Powell is averaging 1.4 points and 1.3 rebounds while shooting 27.6 percent overall and 1-of-6 on threes. Despite the modest production, he’s stood out for the instant energy he provides, using his high-end quickness to aggressively double-team, disrupt passing lanes, and push in transition, all without losing sight of his primary defensive assignment. The UCLA product has the ability to guard three positions, and if he can add a 3-point shot – something he’s been working on since being drafted – he has a clear, if unexpected, path to being an NBA rotation player.
Hardcore fans will remember how good Powell can look in a larger sample from back in summer league, when he gained a cult-like following on Raptors Twitter and earned first-team All-Tournament Team honors.
Powell joins Delon Wright and Bruno Caboclo on assignment, giving the 905 a pretty loaded roster to throw at the 87ers. With Jordan McRae and Sean Kilpatrick on fire for Delaware, there will be plenty of opportunity for Powell to put his defense on display. Here’s head coach Jesse Mermuys pregame on Powell’s defense:
I think it’s great timing for him because we’ve got two guys in the building that basically gave us 40 each last time. Norman, if he’s gonna make his way in the NBA, what he does best is defend. It’s gonna be a heck of a challenge to come in. I know he’s played some spot minutes but not like what he’s gonna play today. It’ll be a good challenge for him to see what he can do defensively on two really legit scorers.
…
He was a beast in his draft workout locking dudes up, it was an impressive draft workout. He did the same thing in summer league for us.
For his part, Powell seemed a bit tired, having gotten the news of his assignment after the Raptors’ game against the Heat last night. Fatigue aside, Powell’s looking at the assignment as another opportunity to make an impression on the organization and continue fighting his way to a bigger role with the parent club:
I’ve been waiting to play basketball so I’m really excited to get minutes and develop my game and get my confidence and everything at the level it needs to be.
…
Every time you step on the court, it’s an opportunity to show what you can do and prove yourself. I’m taking it the same way as that. I have a big chip on my shoulder to show everybody what I can do and the type of player I can be. It’s another game, another chance to get better and to show everybody.
Here’s what Saturday’s rotation likely looks like, with plenty of opportunity for the 905 to go small with an extra wing on the floor in place of a big.
PG: Wright, Shannon Scott, (Ashton Smith)
SG: Powell, Scott Suggs, Jay Harris, (Nick Wiggins)
SF: Caboclo, Axel Toupane, Melvin Johnson
PF: Ronald Roberts, Michale Kyser
C: Keanau Post, Sim Bhullar, (Walter Pitchford)
