Raptors exercise fourth year option on forward Ed Davis

Nobody knows what to make of Ed Davis.

It looked like the Toronto Raptors got a freakin' steal in 2010 when the 6-10 forward from UNC fell into the Dinos' collective laps during that summer's draft.

But injury and playing time issues have prevented Davis from turning into the stud that many envisioned.

Well...that's the common thought I suppose.

But the elephant in the room might be that Davis' upside simply wasn't ever as high as scouts and NBA draftniks thought, and after two so-so seasons, the former UNC big man is facing serious questions about his future with the club.

That doesn't mean the team doesn't remain intrigued by his potential though, and yesterday the club exercised their option to keep him around for another season next year, hoping of course that he begins to finally break out.

From the club's press release:

The Toronto Raptors announced Wednesday they have exercised the fourth year team option on the Rookie Scale Contract of forward Ed Davis. Davis is now guaranteed through the 2013-14 season. In accordance with the league's collective bargaining agreement, the Raptors had until October 31 to exercise their option on Davis. Per team policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Davis, 6-foot-10, 235 pounds, was the 13th overall pick by Toronto in the 2010 NBA Draft out of the University of North Carolina. He has averaged 7.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 23.9 minutes in 131 games. He is shooting .547 (387-708) from the field.

Davis has been very solid so far in pre-season action, combining with Amir Johnson on the team's second unit to provide some very valuable minutes, and we'll see if that can continue throughout the 2012-13 campaign.