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Toronto Raptors: 5 Things Learned From Summer League

By Demar Grant

May 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri (right) gestures as he speaks with media during pre-game shoot around before the Raptors host Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors general manager Masai Ujiri (right) gestures as he speaks with media during pre-game shoot around before the Raptors host Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Raptors
May 9, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell (24) dunks the ball as Miami Heat forward Josh McRoberts (4) trails during the second quarter in game four of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Norman Powell Probably Shouldn’t Be playing in Summer League

Last season was huge for Norman Powell, who actually came up through summer league last year, but this time is completely different. Players in summer league are unfinished products, continuously being molded and developed – every minute they get on the floor is vital.

That’s why Ben Simmons and Jaylen Brown are seeing a lot of action. During last season and this summer, Powell has shown he is far and away more developed than any other player in summer league.

The 23-year old posted a line of 19.8/4.4/2.4 with one steal and 46 percent from three-point range over the five games he played. That was good for the third-highest scoring average of players who played four or more games, sitting behind D’Angelo Russell and Jordan McRae.

Powell has a clearly defined role within the Raptors and summer league just seems like a playground to him. He needs to test his mettle against stiffer competition if he wants to develop significantly.

The San Diego, California native also nearly injured himself in the game against Golden State. Being a integral part of the Raptors in the regular season, it would be a catastrophe if he was injured during the offseason.

Next: Raptors are like a MLB team

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