Toronto Raptors second-round pick Norman Powell has been putting on a show in Summer League, scoring from everywhere on the floor and throwing down some SportsCenter-worthy dunks. I’ll be the first to admit, it’s not something I saw coming, but then again the best things in life are usually surprises.

Powell’s emergence as a force out on the perimeter could put the pressure on Terrence Ross to finally step up his game. Ross has been the subject of fan criticism for as long as he’s been a Raptor; his physical tools haven’t translated into consistent production, and his lackadaisical attitude hasn’t earned him much sympathy.

Yet, Ross has remained in the rotation, primarily because there hasn’t been a player worthy of taking his minutes. Now, I doubt Powell is that guy; his shooting will surely mellow out and Summer League tends to favor shot-happy guards. But he’ll be a threat to do so, and his high-energy attitude should rile up Ross in practices.

It’s unclear whether Ross is part of the Raptors’ long-term plans, but this season will go a long way in answering that question. If he takes his game to the next level, he would allow the Raptors to consider trading DeMar DeRozan, an idea that’s been in the rumor mill for months now. If Ross continues to stagnate, the Raptors could have a tough decision on their hands, as his rookie-scale contract is about to expire.

Hopefully Powell can help spur Ross on to a productive 2015-16 season. And in the worst case scenario, Powell has put his hat into the ring as a potential fallback.

Casey Sherman is the Toronto Raptors Beat Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @shermham