The Toronto Raptors might be talking a big game about using their first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft on a player that fits in with the versatility and switching they have traditionally sought out, but the need for shooting is so desperate that the club might forgo that mindset and draft the best offensive player available.
One player that makes sense for the Raptors, should a confluence of circumstances force him to drop in the draft, is Kansas wing Gradey Dick. Dick shot over 40% from 3-point range, but he was flirting with close to 50% in the first half of his lone season with the Jayhawks.
Dick has since established himself as a player that is either a Top 10 pick or someone that will go right after the teams in that range. The Raptors should be all over him if he is available, and it sounds like they will have some interest in bringing him on board.
According to Jonathan Givony of ESPN in his latest mock draft, there is a chance that Dick slides past the Orlando Magic at pick No. 11 overall. If that happens, the Oklahoma City Thunder at No. 12 and Raptors at No. 13 could be landing spots for the very talented former Jayhawk.
The possibility of New Orleans (fans of Scoot Henderson) offering Brandon Ingram in a trade for the No. 2 pick could shake things up potentially on draft night, but it's still too early to say whether that is a realistic possibility.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 14, 2023
New mock on ESPN: https://t.co/P5kvDwokMf
NBA Rumors: Toronto Raptors interested in Gradey Dick.
Dick is obviously a fantastic shooter, and that is what will butter his bread at the professional level. Dick is also a very good passer for his height at 6-8, and his offensive game is so advanced that he can score consistently inside the arc as a finisher and cutter.
Dick’s game in college didn’t always take advantage of his athletic ability, but he has proven to be a solid rim-runner with some explosion off the dribble. Toronto could find some use for Dick, as he can be an effective scorer without demanding a ton of touches.
Where he struggles is on the defensive side of the ball, which could be such a liability that Toronto ends up going with someone else. Fans who want a shooter need to hope that Toronto can pull a Gary Trent Jr. and turn Dick around on defense.
Dick is a very specific type of player, which could make him less attractive to a Raptors team that has constantly looked for more versatile players. If Toronto eschews their old ways, Dick could come right in and be an immediate impact on the offensive end of the floor.