Raptors winners and losers after interesting 2023 NBA Draft night

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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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 12: Otto Porter Jr. #32 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Loser: Otto Porter Jr.

The Raptors barely even got to see how Porter fits into the rotation, as he played just eight games. While he could be a versatile defender that supplements his primary skill with some solid 3-point shooting, Dick could make him redundant.

Even if the 3-point shooting cancels each other out, Dick has the potential to be a much more creative offensive player who is equally annoying and disruptive on the defensive side. All of that points to an expanded role for Dick and a minimized role for Porter.

Gradey Dick could be bad for Otto Porter Jr.

Attempts to trade Porter might prove difficult, as the thinking around the league seems to be that Porter’s injury history has made him a negative asset. The Raptors might be stuck with him despite the fact they drafted an ostensibly better player to take up his rotation spot.

Porter may end up in the Thad Young role, as he will be seldom used and only called into action when the outcome of the game has already been decided. That is certainly not what Ujiri and the front office expected when they gave him a ton of money in free agency.

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