Raptors’ Powell caps breakout season with East rookie of the month award

TORONTO – Toronto Raptors guard Norman Powell has been named the NBA Eastern Conference rookie of the month for April.

Powell emerged as a reliable offensive and defensive presence for the Raptors in the second half of the season. In April, he averaged 15.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 31.6 minutes in eight games (all starts). He shot .548 (40-73) from the field and paced the team in scoring four times.

The native of San Diego set careers highs with 30 points, nine rebounds, 12 field goals made and five three-pointers and also matched his career-high five assists in Toronto’s 103-96 win April 13 at Brooklyn.

He played a career-high 41 minutes and recorded a career-high 14 points from the free throw line in a 27-point effort in Toronto’s 111-98 win April 8 versus Indiana.

The Raptors acquired Powell and a future first-round draft pick for guard Greivis Vasquez in an off-season trade with Milwaukee.

Powell is the ninth Raptors player to win the award, joining Jonas Valanciunas (March 2013), Jamario Moon (January 2008), Andrea Bargnani (January and February 2007), Jorge Garbajosa (December 2006), Charlie Villanueva (December 2005), Vince Carter (March and April 1999), Marcus Camby (March 1997) and Damon Stoudamire (November 1995 and January 1996).