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.

Apr 6, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Amir Johnson (15) taps a rebound during the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The only decent segment of the Raps’ schedule commenced on December 14 with a home victory over Dallas. From then until the trade on January 30, the Raps were 12-10. Since the trade, which was billed as the big move to push us into playoff contention, the Raps are 12-19. The playoffs, a mathematical longshot when Rudy arrived, are now officially toast. What’s worse, if that’s possible, is the fact the Raps have floundered against the league’s worst teams. We’ve lost to Charlotte, Detroit, Cleveland and twice to Washington. In short, this trade has been a disaster.

So what’s gone wrong? Let’s answer that by glancing at a 3-win stretch over the Christmas holidays against New Orleans, Orlando and Portland. In those games, Ed Davis averaged 17 points and 6 rebounds, while Amir Johnson contributed 12 and 6. But it wasn’t just the points those two were consistently providing – it was how they were getting them. Amir and Ed were getting noticed around the NBA for their ability to create high-percentage shots for each other. Amir would receive the ball at the foul line just as Ed was cutting to the hoop – a quick dish from Amir and presto, easy bucket for Ed. The young power forward received his chance after Andrea Bargnani’s elbow injury, and he was making the most of it. The two bigs were relieving the scoring pressure from the backs of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry.

Apr 6, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (3) drives for a layup against Milwaukee Bucks center Larry Sanders (8) during the first quarter at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

To me, this is the crux of the matter. When Ed was dealt away, the Raps lost some scoring balance between their back and front court players, and that precious equilibrium may never return. Now Ed languishes on the bench in Memphis, Jose is playing out the string in Motown, and the Raps are dysfunctional. Who won this trade anyway?

We’ll explore the impact of the trade on the Raps’ present and future roster tomorrow.

Brian Boake is an 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.