When the Toronto Raptors drafted Gradey Dick again in 2023, they had been definitely searching for somebody that would add extra mojo from past the arc. It made loads of sense. In the course of the season previous to Dick’s choice, the Raptors had been one of many worst three-point capturing groups within the league. They ranked close to the underside in each three-point proportion and three-pointers made per recreation. One might additionally think about how Darko Rajakovic’s appointment as head coach introduced in a extra fast-paced, ball-movement-centered offense. It is the type of system that is excellent for a participant like Dick, whose recreation includes loads of fast hits from past the arc.
Nevertheless, Dick was largely a bench piece final season. This is not to indicate that the function was unhealthy. In spite of everything, loads of rookies barely even see the ground every year. Regardless, there have been nights when the Kansas product already confirmed beginning five-esque potential, like these situations the place he would sink at the least 4 threes and nonetheless end at round 40% when it comes to three-point effectivity. Add in the truth that he performed behind Gary Trent Jr. — the Raptors’ 3-and-D specialist on the time. He could not be inserted into the opposite wing spot both, as a result of that belonged, and nonetheless belongs to RJ Barrett, who has grown into his function as one of many group’s focal factors on offense.
When Trent Jr. determined to signal with the Milwaukee Bucks within the offseason, there have been already grumblings of Dick’s potential promotion to the primary 5. The noise turned louder throughout the preseason, when he had a few notable performances, notably towards the Boston Celtics. The ex-Jayhawk shot 5 threes towards Boston on October 13, ending with 18 factors regardless of the loss. He adopted that up along with his finest preseason outing of 27 factors as he led the Raptors to a revenge win over the inexperienced group.
Has all of it translated to the continued common season? Up to now, sure.
Gradey Dick continues to be a brilliant spot for the Raptors
Toronto’s marketing campaign has been going removed from properly. They’re at the moment 4-12, sitting in thirteenth place within the Jap Convention. Scottie Barnes’ absence performs an enormous half on this; The Raptors star missed 11 video games because of an orbital harm sustained final month. On prime of that, Toronto’s struggling protection is an space that must be mounted. Possibly the group’s new “lockdown king” crown (by way of Sports activities Illustrated’s Aaron Rose) may ease the bleeding, however proper now, they nonetheless maintain the seventh-worst defensive score in the whole league.
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On the brilliant facet, ahead strides are seen amongst a number of gamers, and Gradey Dick makes a case for having the most important leap amongst everybody on the roster. Simply examine his current numbers to final season’s. In 2023, he completed with a mean of 8.5 factors on 7.4 subject purpose makes an attempt per recreation. This season, his shot makes an attempt have virtually doubled (14.4 att/g), leading to a present tally of 18.1 factors per recreation. That is the third-highest scoring common within the group, and the one gamers who put up extra factors are Barrett and Barnes.
Wanting carefully at Dick’s recreation, it is clear that he is greater than only a catch-and-shoot specialist. The 6-foot-6 wing also can create, as seen in how has a knack for mid-range pull-ups off the dribble. He is not afraid to assault the basket as properly. At occasions, when the protection will get too shut, Dick is fluid sufficient to drive previous defenders and go all the way in which. Whereas he is not the best leaper, Dick nonetheless has a great quantity of athleticism to complete on the rim, whether or not on a half-court set or in transition. Having a 6’9 wingspan helps quite a bit too.
Final 12 months, a variety of followers labeled Dick a “draft steal” when he slipped to the thirteenth choice for the Raptors. With how the 21-year-old is taking part in, it looks as if they had been proper in any case. Toronto has a growing gem who’s little doubt a serious constructing block for the group transferring ahead.