Toronto Raptors shooting guard Norman Powell had a thing or two to say about how the general public seem to have a knack of underestimating the Raptors year after year.

Speaking to Steven Loung of Sportsnet, the 6-foot-4 two-guard opened up about how he believes people constantly undermine the capability of Toronto as a team.

“I feel like every year we’re disrespected. Every year they say we’re not going to do that well and then we overachieve in their eyes,” said Powell.

Those are some pretty strong words from the 26-year-old here, but in reality, who can blame him? The Raptors are indeed always seen as the underdogs, and they sure proved everyone wrong last season. Now being a bona fide NBA champion, Powell holds the right to call out the haters who have and continue to undermine the Raptors.

Obviously, it's going to be a different case this coming season with their former superstar Kawhi Leonard now out of the picture. Nonetheless, Powell still believes that his team will be ready to face the challenges of defending their title in the coming year.

“But we’ve got dogs on this team,” Powell added. “Guys who have a lot to prove, guys who want to go out there and further their careers, guys who really want to get after it. And I think that shows that when the opportunity presents itself, guys are able to step up in bigger roles during different parts of the season depending on whatever the situation — injuries, load management, rest — guys are able to go out there and show what they can do.”

Last season, in his fourth year as a member of the Raptors, Powell put up 8.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.7 steals in 18.8 minutes off the Toronto bench. He is under contract with the Raptors up to the 2021-22 season, so barring a trade, he should be with the Raptors for the long haul.