NBA Playoffs: 10 sleeper players to watch in Round 1
By Tom West
Norman Powell
Below a rookie like Karl-Anthony Towns, who rapidly approaches superstardom at only 20 years of age, is a 2015 draft steal like Norman Powell. Add him to an already highly-talented team like the Toronto Raptors, and Powell’s energy and increased impact is nothing shy of impressive.
Taken with the 46th overall pick in last year’s draft, he’s looking like one of the biggest steals, making him a definite sleeper worth your attention for the playoffs.
Over the first half of the season, Powell’s minutes were sporadic and he was forced to stay glued to the bench on many occasions and only finished with 49 games played. However, once he got a chance to start, he made an impact with his energetic play at both ends of the floor.
Since starting with higher minutes on March 15, Powell has averaged 12.7 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists, shooting 48.1 percent from the floor and a ridiculous 47.8 percent from three.
To end the regular season, he dropped 30 points on 66.7 percent shooting, nine rebounds, five assists, and five threes against the Brooklyn Nets.
It may be the Nets, but it’s clear the rookie can play.
Powell’s athleticism, ability to go coast-to-coast and finish through contact, not to mention bury threes, makes him an ideal energizer for the Raptors. And while he won’t be averaging 20+ points like Kyle Lowry or DeMar DeRozan, you can count on him to play hard and make as much impact as most other rookie talents in the playoffs.
Next: Josh Richardson