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Raptors winners and losers after interesting 2023 NBA Draft night

By Mike Luciano

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Gradey Dick (R) poses with NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) after being drafted 13th overall pick by the Toronto Raptors during the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Gradey Dick (R) poses with NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) after being drafted 13th overall pick by the Toronto Raptors during the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Masai Ujiri and the Toronto Raptors made one of the more interesting first-round picks in the 2023 NBA Draft, using the No. 13 selection on Kansas wing Gradey Dick. All the rumors that linked Toronto to Dick at No. 13 have been proven true after a very slight slide.

Not only did the Raptors manage to fill a position of enormous need, but they did so while getting tremendous value and also eschewing the temptation to draft another raw 6-8 forward. For a freshman, Dick is a very polished offensive player who will be a threat on that end very early into his pro career.

While the Dick selection will help the Raptors’ roster and offensive philosophy, home being picked this high will inevitably lead to some groups not getting what they want. Who will benefit from this pick, and who will end up getting the short end of the stick?

Winners and Losers after Toronto Raptors draft Gradey Dick.

Winner: Scottie Barnes

Barnes and Dick had a connection prior to them being drafted, as they share an agent. The link between these two should only get stronger when the whistle blows, as Dick appears to be a player that was taken with the express purpose of being a co-star next to Barnes.

It is quite difficult being a player who prides themselves on being an elite passer on this Raptors team, as they often lacked the spacing and shot-making capabilities to take full advantage of Barnes’ skills. Dick coming to town would help turn that right around.

Gradey Dick and Scottie Barnes will lead the Toronto Raptors.

New head coach Darko Rajakovic was likely hired due to the fact he had a master plan to make Barnes a genuine force in the Eastern Conference. He will likely do this with a unique blend of offensive styles that focuses on ball movement and efficient 3-point shooting.

Dick is not a perfect prospect, but he should be a solid fit next to Barnes due to his 3-point shooting. With how much of Toronto’s future is completely embedded in Barnes and his success, it makes sense to add shooters who can get open when defenses hone in on Scottie.

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