Former Toronto Raptors player Norman Powell believes he should have been considered as a finalist for the NBA’s sixth-man of the year award. He feels that his contributions off the bench have not received the recognition they deserve. Despite averaging 13.9 points per game, Powell’s impressive shooting percentages of 48.6% from the field and 43.5% from three-point range, along with a True Shooting percentage 4.6 percentage points above the league average, make a strong statistical case for his inclusion in the conversation.
Powell expressed frustration over not being considered for the sixth-man of the year award, especially for the second consecutive year. The finalists for the award this year are Malik Monk of the Sacramento Kings, Bobby Portis Jr. of the Milwaukee Bucks, and Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves, as announced by the league.
In an interview with ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk, Powell voiced his disappointment, stating, “I think it’s B.S., to be honest, two years in a row.” He highlighted his impressive performance as the most efficient bench player despite facing challenges such as limited touches and a reduced role while playing alongside star players. Powell emphasized his consistent production compared to the finalists, particularly noting his similar output despite fewer opportunities.
Monk, considered the frontrunner for the award, averaged 15.4 points per game for the Kings but did so with lower efficiency. However, he recorded more assists and rebounds than Powell in a similar amount of playing time.
“I believe it’s unfortunate. It seems to involve politics, public image, and a lack of attention to the intricacies of the game,” Powell expressed. “Some players receive recognition based on flashy dunks showcased on social media, while my three-pointers don’t get the same attention. It’s challenging.”
Having spent six seasons with the Toronto Raptors, Powell played a pivotal role coming off the bench for much of his time with the team. In 2021, he was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Gary Trent Jr. Subsequently, Powell joined the Los Angeles Clippers, where he has been for the majority of the last three seasons.
“At the end of the day, the primary goal is to win a championship,” Powell remarked. “While it would be gratifying to be acknowledged for the contributions I’ve made to help the team achieve success, such as being part of a 50-win team, winning a championship would be the ultimate recognition.”
