PORTLAND—At the start of the season, Norman Powell knew where he stood in the Toronto Raptors’ hierarchy.
DeMarre Carroll was signed shortly after the Raptors acquired Powell in a draft-day trade with Milwaukee last June. Behind Carroll was James Johnson, with veteran experience. A lot would have to happen for Powell to see some significant minutes at the forward spot.
By the Raptors’ 48th game, a lot had happened. With Carroll sidelined by knee surgery and Johnson on crutches after spraining his ankle Monday night in the Raptors’ loss to Denver, the spotlight and a starting role fell on Powell.