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.

• 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.