When the Toronto Raptors selected Gradey Dick in 2023, they aimed to bring in someone who could enhance their shooting from long range. This strategy was logical, considering that in the season leading up to Dick’s draft, the Raptors were among the league’s worst three-point shooting teams, ranking low in both shooting percentage and the number of three-pointers made per game. Additionally, Darko Rajakovic’s hiring as head coach introduced a faster, ball-movement-focused offensive style, which suits a player like Dick, who excels at quickly taking shots from beyond the arc.
When the Toronto Raptors drafted Gradey Dick in 2023, their goal was to acquire a player who could boost their long-range shooting. This approach made sense, as the Raptors had been one of the worst teams in the league for three-point shooting in the season prior to Dick’s selection, ranking poorly in both shooting percentage and the number of three-pointers attempted per game. Furthermore, with Darko Rajakovic as the new head coach, the team embraced a faster, ball-movement-oriented offensive style that is well-suited for a player like Dick, who is adept at quickly launching shots from beyond the arc.
When Trent Jr. chose to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks during the offseason, speculation about Dick’s potential move into the starting lineup began to surface. The chatter intensified during the preseason after he delivered several impressive performances, especially against the Boston Celtics. On October 13, he hit five three-pointers and scored 18 points despite the team’s loss to Boston. He then had his standout preseason game, scoring 27 points to lead the Raptors to a victory against the Celtics. Has this success carried over into the regular season? So far, it certainly has.
Gradey Dick continues to be a bright spot for the Raptors
Toronto’s season has not been going well, as they currently sit at 4-12, placing them 13th in the Eastern Conference. The absence of Scottie Barnes has significantly impacted the team’s struggles; the Raptors star has missed 11 games due to an orbital injury sustained last month. Additionally, their defense is a major concern that needs urgent attention. While the team may be looking to improve with their newly acquired “lockdown king” title (according to Sports Illustrated’s Aaron Rose), they still have the seventh-worst defensive rating in the league.
On the positive side, several players are showing significant progress, with Gradey Dick standing out as having made the most substantial improvement on the roster. If we compare his current stats to last season, it’s evident. In 2023, he averaged 8.5 points on 7.4 field goal attempts per game. This season, his shot attempts have nearly doubled to 14.4 per game, resulting in an impressive average of 18.1 points. This scoring average ranks third on the team, with only Barrett and Barnes scoring more. Analyzing Dick’s game reveals that he’s not just a catch-and-shoot player. The 6-foot-6 forward also demonstrates the ability to create his own shots, especially with his mid-range pull-ups off the dribble.
He’s unafraid to drive to the basket, and when defenders get too close, he has the agility to maneuver around them and finish strong. While he may not be the highest jumper, Dick possesses enough athleticism to score at the rim, whether in half-court situations or on fast breaks. His 6’9 wingspan is also a significant advantage. Last year, many fans considered Dick a “draft steal” when he was selected 13th by the Raptors. Given how well the 21-year-old is performing, it appears they were correct. Toronto seems to have a valuable young talent in Dick, who is undoubtedly a key building block for the team’s future.
Leave a Reply