At 4-2 since the All Star break, the Raptors are managing to stay afloat and in the thick of the playoff seeding race despite the absence of Kyle Lowry. This felt like a reach when the Lowry injury news hit, but is a testament to the Raptors depth, both at the point guard position and as a team in general.
Cory Joseph and Delon Wright have stepped up to man the point, while someone like PJ Tucker has likely been called upon more often than initially expected. This next man up cliché could now be put to the test even more as DeMarre Carroll left Saturday’s game against the Bucks with what is currently being called a sprained ankle.
The hope of course is that Carroll won’t have to miss much time, if any, due to this injury. With the Raptors not playing again until Wednesday he’s got a few days off to rest and recoup before he needs to give it a go, but this also means we likely won’t get much of an update until Wednesday.
If Carroll is to miss any games this would presently leave the Raptors without two of their starting line-up, testing the Raptors’ depth even more. The question then becomes, who should start in Carroll’s place if he’s unable to go on Wednesday (and beyond)?
As always, the Raptors seem to have two logical options to choose from: Terrence Ross (*single tear*) Norman Powell and PJ Tucker. While Tucker would bring a larger body and more of a defensive identity, Norm would provide an extra creator on offense in the starting unit.
This is almost the exact same position that the Raptors found themselves in last January when Carroll began missing time with a knee injury. While Ross got the first chance at replacing Carroll as a starter, it was Norm who took control of the position to end the season and entering into the playoffs.
In 24 games as a starter in 2015-16, Norm averaged 25.2 minutes, 10.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, and did so shooting 46.9 percent from the field, 46.1 percent from three (on 3.2 attempts per game), and 82 percent from the free throw line.
Through 15 games replacing DeMar DeRozan in the starting line-up this season, Norm’s individual numbers are even better than last year as a starter. He is currently averaging 31.6 minutes, 14.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. And while his shooting percentages aren’t quite as strong as last season, he is still shooting a respectful 47.8 percent from the field, 40 percent from three, and 75 percent from the free throw line.
Starting Norm would also help maintain the bench unit as presently constructed, which we know has always been a priority for Casey). With Tucker’s versatility to play both forward positions for the Raptors, keeping PJ on the bench allows Casey to somewhat accurately maintain the current big man rotation, particularly with Tucker as the power forward in the closing minutes of a game.
The challenge of starting Norm is removing an offensive creator from an already struggling bench unit, and will put even more pressure on the likes of Delon to create. The whole minute distribution will need to be altered, with the Raptors needing DeMar to do even more.
Hopefully all of this is needless speculation and Carroll won’t miss any time due to this ankle injury, but with or without Carroll, Toronto’s depth is being tested.
