Raptors’ Trades Should Give Gradey Dick More Opportunity
Gradey Dick’s NBA start has been tumultuous, to say the least.
The former Kansas sharpshooter and 2023 draftee has been unable to find rhythm in the big leagues, scoring just 3.8 points on 32.5% shooting overall in his 22 games, subsequently earning himself a stint with Raptors 905 of the G League. Nothing out of the ordinary for an NBA frosh.
There, the former No. 13 pick was able to get more comfortable, scoring 16.7 points, nabbing 5.7 rebounds and dishing 2.0 assists per game while shooting 47.6% overall. Still, his 3-point shooting, arguably his best skill in his lone collegiate season with the Jayhawks, has yet to come along: just 25% overall on 6.7 attempts per game in the G.
Recently, though, Dick has played in a trio of NBA games, producing some valuable minutes, albeit in limited time.
The playing time is likely courtesy of a few big-time trades made by Toronto recently, and more specifically a youth-movement mindset from the Raptor’s front office moving forward. In fairly shocking deals, the team offloaded stars Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, likely signaling they're ready to build around Scottie Barnes and the team's other young stars.
And the Raptors are hoping their former thirteenth overall selection will be one of those.
In his first game back from his stint with 905, Dick played 12 minutes, finishing with just two assists and one rebound. His next contest was much better: six points on perfect 3-point shooting, with an additional four assists and two steals to show as well.
Dick’s latest performance was potentially the best of his young career. In a 6-point loss to the Knicks, Dick posted 11 points on 4-for-7 shooting, adding two rebounds and one assist and steal apiece in one of his more confident outings.
While his NBA career likely isn’t off to the start he’d hoped for, he’s got endless amounts of time to figure the league out. Especially with Toronto’s new direction. And he should be in line to get NBA minutes the rest of the season.
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