Jan 16, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer (5) commits an offensive foul against Toronto Raptors forward Quincy Acy (4) as center Joakim Noah (13) watches at the Air Canada Centre. The Bulls beat the Raptors 107-105. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Reggie-Evans-clone bit has been done to death, so I promise you’ve just read the last reference to it. What is so intriguing about Quincy is how he seems capable of transcending that stereotype, and becoming a well-rounded pro. He quickly became a fan favourite for his hustle and aggressive defense. If he can add a mid-range jump shot to his offensive kitbag, his floor time will increase substantially. There’s reason to hope; I’ve seen much worse shooting form exhibited by fifth-year veterans than Quincy displayed on those rare occasions he launched his J. A recheck of his Baylor University years from Draft Express shows Quincy was building up his capabilities, always a positive sign. His composure on the court inspires confidence. To my eyes, he seldom displayed rookie jitters. On an admittedly tiny sample size of 38 free throws, Quincy made 31, over 81%, so he’s not without touch.

The Raptors have historically received very little value from their second-round draft picks (DeeAndre Hulett, Remon Van De Hare – we hardly knew ya!).  Could Quincy buck that trend, and the Banger pigeonhole, and help the Raps for years? I have a slew of “ifs/mays” in this analysis, all of which are warranted. Quincy might not even break camp with the Raps. But on a roster crying out for depth, I believe there’s a place for an undersized yet gritty power forward with a growing skill set. I want to see more of this guy.

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.

• Terrence Ross
• Jonas Valanciunas
• OR Quincy Acy

Apr 16, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Toronto Raptors shooting guard Terrence Ross (31) goes up for a dunk against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell-USA TODAY Sports

Terrence’s season was a roller-coaster ride. He would demonstrate flashes of his astonishing athleticism, then disappear for portions of games, or not see the floor at all. Ultimately I would judge his season a mild disappointment, even by the lenient standards of a rookie year. His 3-point shooting ability is why he was drafted higher than expected, and what he can build his career on, yet he shot 33.2%. Winning the Slam Dunk competition was exciting, but adds precisely zero wins to the team’s total. That’s enough carping. I look for better things from Terrence next season, and the one after that [Why is his name being floated about in trade rumors? Patience, people, patience - TR will be very good.]

Apr 9, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) shoots the ball against Chicago Bulls center Nazr Mohammed (48) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Jonas Valanciunas joined the Raps this season after being drafted the prior year, which is why he’s eligible for the Oak. JV enjoyed a wonderful rookie season, apart from that unfortunate broken finger, which kept him out of 29 games. He started 57 of 62 matches, ending with almost 9 points and 6 boards per game. Healthy as those numbers are, I was particularly impressed by the multiple skills he showed on the offensive end. JV successfully attacked the basket from the low post with hook shots, but also was quite happy to fire away from 15 feet with a formful set shot. Don’t think about hacking this guy – he shot 78.9% from the charity stripe, a number many guards would be happy with. Defensively he’s a work in progress. His positioning once the ball goes up needs work. I expect his defensive rebounding number to almost double in 2 years. Speaking of double, I think that’s what he’ll be next year, a double-double man, while spiking his blocked shots to over 2 per game.

Mar 1, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Quincy Acy (4) dunks the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at the Air Canada Centre. Indiana defeated Toronto 93-81. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Quincy Acy is our last nominee, and the player who traveled the furthest, from unsung second-round draft pick to starting the year with the big team. Yes, he spent some time in the D-League, but played well upon returning. You can’t help but root for Quincy, an undersized power forward who’s doing his utmost to overcome being pigeon-holed as little more than the second coming of Reggie Evans (who rebounds and scraps, and nothing else). I like Quincy’s chances of sticking all next year, and making significant contributions. He’s an athlete, not the Tasmanian Devil, possessing a decent mid-range jump shot and excellent leaping ability.

The envelope please – the Oak goes to…..Jonas Valanciunas!!

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.