Let’s be clear – I was one of the dwindling few who thought, prior to the start of last season, that AB would be ready to deliver a big season. I was wrong. Even when AB wasn’t hurt, his play was dreadful. We can forgive almost all of Andrea’s defensive deficiencies and disinclination to rebound, if he puts the ball in the basket. That didn’t happen, and his scoring average dipped to a woeful 12.7. The nadir game was a November double-overtime loss at home to San Antonio, in which AB managed to make 2 buckets on 19 shot attempts. So that’s enough. He needs to go – but where?

AB is owed almost $ 22M over the next two seasons. That’s a huge number for a player who at 27 should be in the midst of his career’s best years, but in fact is in decline. The only way to trade him is to find a GM with a distressed player, and offer to swap problems. Even if BC could pull off such a deal, the Raps would still have an underachieving player, but of a different kind. Is that progress?

The off-season is not the time to resolve the Bargnani conundrum. Instead, monitor his health, and ensure he comes to training camp in top shape with no injury hangover. Work him hard in camp, and feature him in pre-season games. If enough GMs are convinced he’s back to the form he displayed several seasons ago, AB may actually attract several suitors.

Until all that’s done, BC, ratchet down the trade talk. There’s lots of time to salvage something from the Bargnani fiasco.

Brian Boake is Senior Editor for Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.

Scanning the historical All-Rookie list is fascinating. Sure, there are lots of now-great players as you would expect (Tony Parker, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Kevin Durant) but there are a lot more flameouts than I would have thought (Adam Morrison, Jonny Flynn, Marcus Fizer are but a few Gong Show choices). It shows how difficult it is to extrapolate a player’s future when even the top minds in the NBA can go so wrong.

Apr 6, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Terrence Ross (31) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks forward Mike Dunleavy (17) during the first quarter at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Getting back to JV’s selection: while the coaches vote on players regardless of position, you could in fact field a team with the 10 choices, as there are a reasonable number of backcourt and frontcourt representatives. JV finished third in the imaginary big man ballot, behind easy choices Anthony Davis of New Orleans and Detroit’s Andre Drummond, but ahead of the Cavaliers’ Tyler Zeller. Davis and Washington’s Bradley Beal must feel slightly cursed, as their 57-points total would win the All-Rookie Award most years. Not this one, however – Portland’s Damian Lillard received all 29 possible first-place votes, and certainly looked to these eyes like a player who will rack up many more awards before he’s through. The young man can create, and make, his own shot from anywhere. If he manages to become even an average defender, he’s a serious All-Star candidate.

JV richly deserved his spot, and might well have bumped up into the First Team had the season gone on much longer. If there were a most improved rookie award (I know, we’re getting silly now), he’s my top choice.

Final thought: Terrence Ross managed to garner one second-team vote. Coach Whoever-You-Are, I hope your brave selection is vindicated in years to come.

Brian Boake is Senior Editor for Raptors Rapture. “Like” Raptors Rapture on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @RaptorsRapture for all the latest news and updates about the best damn NBA team from Canada.