Washington Huskies In The NBA: Terrence Ross

Feb 16, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Terrence Ross leaps over a youngster as he attempts a dunk during the 2013 NBA all star slam dunk contest at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: C-

Statistics: 17.0 minutes, 6.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.6 steals per game

When the Raptors drafted Terrence Ross eighth overall, I’m guessing they hoped to get a little bit more than just a Slam Dunk Contest champion. I guess they got a little more than that, but not much. I, for one, expected Ross to be one of the top rookies this season. I still think he has some of the most potential out of that class, but was mostly unimpressive outside of his dunks this season.

The 34-48 Raptors got 17 minutes per game out of their rookie, but many fans were disappointed with what they saw from Ross. There were small glimpses of what Ross was expected to be, but those were few and far between. His best games were found in January and February, where he averaged 7.9 points. In that stretch, he scored his season-high 26 points as well as a couple of 18-point outings; however, there were also far too many games where Ross scored two or fewer points.

Like Quincy Pondexter, consistency plagued Ross his rookie season. Unlike Pondexter, Ross has been able to contribute his first season in the league. Both were first round picks, but there are different expectations for lottery picks versus late-round selections. Now in his third season, Pondexter is settling into his own for Memphis in the playoffs. I’d expect Ross to adjust quicker than that; his kind of athleticism and shooting ability doesn’t go for not in the NBA. To win over the fans, Ross is going to have to break out of his shell eventually, like he did at Washington. When he does, the NBA had better watch out.