When Quincy Acy was cut by the Dallas Mavericks and assigned to their affiliate, the Texas Legends, it was not because he could not hack it in the NBA. At the time, Dallas was strapped for point guards due to injury and needed his roster spot for a floor general.
Understanding his situation, Acy used his time in the D-League to focus on showcasing what he does best; stretching the floor with his jumper, using his wingspan to grab rebounds and block shocks, and playing with high energy on both sides of the floor.
It didn’t take long for him to get noticed with the Legends. In 12 games played he averaged 17.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.1 blocks in 32 minutes played. He was not only effective but efficient too, shooting 50 percent from the floor and 39 percent from deep. This helped get him noticed by Sean Marks and Kenny Atkinson of the Brooklyn Nets, earning him a 10-day contract.
After limited playing time in his first 10-day, the Nets decided to sign him to another 10-day and he has been playing incredibly well when given the opportunity. Two of the past three games he has seen the court for 17+ minutes and in that time he has been incredible, averaging 13 points, one assist, seven assists, and one steal while shooting five of eight from deep.
He has showcased again what he does best; hitting three pointers, defending and rebounding, and playing with lots of energy. In his short time with the team he has proven to be valuable to this team, providing all the things that have been missing on this roster.
His rebounding is a gift given how little Brook Lopez contributes and how inconsistent Trevor Booker has been, his defense is a welcome sight given how unsightly the Nets have been, and his three point shooting is what everyone is wishing Booker was doing all along. It is hard to say what is the most valuable thing he brings to this roster, given how his three pointer opens up the offense in new ways but at the same time, he is hands down the best rebounder on the roster.
He didn’t get a lot of playing time last game against the San Antonio Spurs, but against the New Orleans Pelicans and Charlotte Hornets he looked unstoppable from deep. Whether it was in transition, on the pick and roll, or just being left wide open; he made teams pay for giving him space.
#AcyWatch kicking off vs NOP, great vision from LeVert to find Acy on the perimeter for the 3. He is shooting 5/8 from deep over past 2 days pic.twitter.com/hOfXMWUo7y
— Nicholas LeTourneau (@nick_lt) January 23, 2017
Acy will make you pay if you don’t rotate over on him. He is hitting this shot with ease, especially since his second 10-day #AcyWatch pic.twitter.com/6rYQ9WDGqq
— Nicholas LeTourneau (@nick_lt) January 23, 2017
As I watch plays like this, I cant help but wonder how someone like Acy is routinely left so wide open. He will hit this #AcyWatch pic.twitter.com/UzFmUhjwUm
— Nicholas LeTourneau (@nick_lt) January 23, 2017
Killer crossover from LeVert, but this is #AcyWatch. Another prime example of why Acy needs to stay on this roster, hits this shot regularly pic.twitter.com/izM43cCs9X
— Nicholas LeTourneau (@nick_lt) January 23, 2017
I cant get over how great Acy has looked from three recently. He looks so comfortable in this role, he *needs* to stick around #AcyWatch pic.twitter.com/SgSotI7dgg
— Nicholas LeTourneau (@nick_lt) January 23, 2017
He is long and lanky but has the body to still compete in the post. His ability to consistently hit three point shots may have gotten him on this roster or kept him on it for another 10-day contract, but his rebounding is what will keep him on it. He has proven that he has a nose for the ball and the film proves it.
Cant get over how tenacious Acy is when rebounding. The minute shot goes up, he gets in position, its almost second nature to him #AcyWatch pic.twitter.com/bA8RG97Vkr
— Nicholas LeTourneau (@nick_lt) January 23, 2017
Again, he sees the shot go up and immediately starts fighting for position and it pays off with the tip in. Love his fight #AcyWAtch pic.twitter.com/2BlSClkock
— Nicholas LeTourneau (@nick_lt) January 23, 2017
#Nets players need to take notice of how Acy does things. He tracks this reb from the perimeter and closes out beautifully #AcyWatch pic.twitter.com/LCpOtuQdVq
— Nicholas LeTourneau (@nick_lt) January 23, 2017
Not only does he have the vision and awareness to always be tracking the ball when it leaves the shooter’s hands, but he can instinctively put himself in very good position to usually come away with the rebound. With no true consistent rebounder on the roster, Acy can carve out a role all to himself with his great play.
Acy has looked like the player everyone is waiting Chris McCullough to become and is arguably making a case for some of Booker’s minutes. At this point in the season, no answer is the wrong answer. Acy should get some serious looks and can legitimately contribute to this team, possibly long term too. At only 26 years old, he is just entering his prime. The Nets could get in on the ground floor of someone that is about to blossom.
They shouldn’t let him slip through their fingers. He fits their system perfectly, seems to have great chemistry with the young players, and fills a lot of holes on this roster. This 10-day contract features games versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, and two games against the Miami Heat. Atkinson should play him as much as possible. Chances are Acy would shine, it is abundantly clear he is hungry and wants to stay on this team.