3 Things Raptors need to do to get back in the playoffs in 2023

Jan 14, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzles acting head coach Darko Rajakovic Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzles acting head coach Darko Rajakovic Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Gradey Dick, Toronto Raptors
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 14: Gradey Dick #1 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

2. Give Gradey Dick minutes early

Under Nick Nurse, the Raptors were usually very proactive with regard to how early and often their rookies saw rotation time. Scottie Barnes was a starter right away, and even less heralded players like second-rounder Christian Koloko got minutes the second he came into the NBA.

The Raptors need to adhere to this philosophy once more with Dick, who was drafted to help fix the team’s limitations with 3-point shooting and half-court offense. While Dick may not be ready to be a primary scorer just yet, Summer League showed exactly how he can help this team.

The Toronto Raptors must play Gradey Dick.

Dick was a lights-out shooter in high school and college, meaning that he should be expected to be a weapon in the NBA from deep as soon as he steps on the floor. Summer League also showed that he is better at finishing at the rim and creating turnovers on defense than many expected. 

Getting Dick around 20 minutes per game should be a priority for Rajakovic, as the other options to fill Dick’s role as the backup shooting guard don’t provide as much, well, shooting. If Rajakovic is the developer of talent Toronto thinks he is, the Raptors should feel confident in his ability to iron out his flaws.