Raptors Rapture
Fansided

4 realistic goals for Raptors’ young players in 2023-24 season

By Mike Luciano

TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the net between OG Anunoby #3 and Christian Koloko #35 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - OCTOBER 19: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the net between OG Anunoby #3 and Christian Koloko #35 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Gradey Dick, Toronto Raptors
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 14: Gradey Dick #1 of the Toronto Raptors (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Gradey Dick: Play 20 minutes per game, shoot 40% from 3-point range

While Eric Koreen of The Athletic believes that Dick will not start the season in the rotation, it seems hard to think that an Ujiri-led team who gave Koloko consistent starts last season would put the No. 13 overall pick who might be their only first-round between 2022 and 2024 on ice for too long.

Dick’s shooting is the best aspect he brings to the table, as he fills a need with a level of expertise uncommon for someone as young as he is. On a team that is still struggling with shooting, Dick will likely have a very clear, defined role early in his NFL journey.

Gradey Dick should get rotation time from the Toronto Raptors.

Dick needs to work on adding weight, as he can withstand the bruising he will take on the offensive end while helping him become a feistier on-ball defender. As vital as that is, the Raptors would be fools to keep a talent like Dick deep on the bench because he isn’t 100% physically mature at age 19 seems a bit harsh.

Dick has shown in Summer League that he can create for himself when needed, but that might not be his role as a rookie. If he can just hang out in the corner and drill open 3-pointers off Scottie Barnes or Pascal Siakam passes, he will have proven his worth in this league.