Toronto Raptors: Norman Powell’s eventual return couldn’t come at better time

The Toronto Raptors expect Norman Powel to make his return to the lineup soon and hopefully, it allows him enough time to prepare for the playoffs.

To say that Norman Powell‘s return to the lineup would provide a boost to the Toronto Raptors would be stating the obvious but it’s an important development

The team has been able to weather the storm with Powell out of the lineup going 7-2 but now the road to the playoffs gets tougher with matchups against tougher playoff opponents like the Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and of course, the Milwaukee Bucks who they can’t seem to get past this season.

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Whether or not the injury to Powell will have an impact on his offensive ability still remains to be seen but fortunately for him, he has time to get himself back into a rhythm. While an easier matchup would provide the team with a chance to ease Powell back in, it doesn’t hurt for him to come into a game with some intensity.

Nick Nurse will appreciate having another dependable scorer that can provide the Raptors with different lineup options. He can obviously come off the bench considering the team doesn’t have a consistent scorer other than Terrence Davis II really although other players have been able to chip in.

"“Honestly, I haven’t really looked at the injuries and these setbacks as something negative,” Powell told reporters at practice. “I see it as just an opportunity to get better in other ways. I think that just comes with the growth of my mental approach to the season and my play – through good games and bad games, whatever it is – just staying even-keeled and focused on what I’m trying to achieve and what the team is trying to achieve and not getting outside of that.”"

Many were disappointed to see Powell get injured at a time where he was establishing a consistent role that has kept him from reaching the potential that he was struggling to achieve since signing his extension. Instead of being a player the team would be looking to move for salary reasons, it’s safe to say, he won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

How important will it be for the Raptors to get Powell back into the rotation? How long will it take him to get back into game shape? Let us know in the comments below.