Toronto Raptors: 3 players with everything to prove in 2018-19

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MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 20: Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket against Thon Maker #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on April 20, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Bucks defeated the Raptors 106-77. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

2) Norman Powell

We’ve previously discussed Norman Powell‘s fall from grace in terms of his standing on the team. In that respect, he is one of our three players who has it all to prove this season.

Heading into the 2017-18 campaign, the future looked extremely bright for Powell. He was a key member of the rotation and had been rewarded with a four-year, $42 million extension.

However, the 25-year-old then went on to have the least productive campaign of his three seasons in the NBA. Combined with the emergence of Delon Wright and OG Anunoby as key components off the bench, he fell down the depth chart.

As a result, there is even speculation the Raptors may consider moving Powell, come the Feb. 8 trade deadline. To quell this talk, in the coming months he has to show he can still have a long-term future in Toronto.

In this respect, the San Diego native at least has the attributes needed, to work his way back up the depth chart. Aside from his work ethic, he offers versatility on the court by being able to play as both a shooting guard and a small forward.

In addition, Powell and has already shown his ability to step up under the bright lights of the playoffs. This was best exemplified during Game 5 of the 2016-17 first round playoff series versus the Milwaukee Bucks, when he scored a postseason personal high of 25 points.

From his perspective, the 2015 46th overall draft pick has supreme faith in his abilities. Now, it’s a case of going out on the court and backing this up, otherwise the trade speculation will only increase as we edge closer to Feb. 8.

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