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.

A list of the great Sixth Men of the NBA would include such award-winning luminaries as Manu Ginobli, James Harden (not a Sixth Man anymore!), and this year’s winner, scoring machine J.R. Smith.

Mar 22, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Raptors forward Alan Anderson (6) goes to the basket as New York Knicks center Marcus Camby (23) defends at the Air Canada Centre. The Knicks beat the Raptors 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

With reluctance, I’ve decided that the winner of the Oak must be on the roster at season’s end. Therefore two of the best candidates, Jose Calderon and Ed Davis, are ineligible. Amir Johnson started 38 of 81 games, which puts him on the bubble as a Sixth Man; I’m going to rule he’s ineligible. In theory, anyone on the bench is a candidate, but players who piled up DNP-CDs [Did Not Play - Coach's Decision] can’t be considered. The Sixth Man must have consistent, positive impact on almost every game. That leaves:

• Alan Anderson
• John Lucas III

Alan’s season was a roller-coaster. His personal highlight was torching the surprised Knicks for 35 points in New York in March, after burning them for 26 in Toronto the previous month. Averaging over 10 PPG for the season was a career high, and the number would have been even more impressive but for an end of season shooting slump. Alan’s defense was very solid, and he appears to be a well-liked teammate.

Apr 17, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors point guard John Lucas (5) takes the ball bt Boston Celtics shooting guard Terrence Williams (55) during the fourth quarter at the Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Celtics 114-90. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

John Lucas did not have the season he, or we as fans, was hoping for. While the offensive numbers are in the range of his historical norms, he had the opportunity to have a breakout year and it just didn’t happen.

The envelope please…the winner of the Oak for Sixth Man of the Year is….Alan Anderson!

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.