3 achievements Raptors rookie Gradey Dick should target in 2023

Even with the team’s need for a backup point guard and their general lack of guard talent, the Toronto Raptors decided to opt for a 6-8 wing/guard hybrid in the 2023 NBA Draft when they selected Kansas wong Gradey Dick with the No. 13 pick. Shooting was clearly valued above all else.

With a new coach in Darko Rajakovic that wants to run a very-fast offense that chucks it deep with regularity, Dick seems like the type of player Rajakovic has often had success with. Desmond Bane went from the No. 30 pick to a max player, so imagine what Dick could do.

With Rajakovic’s offensive skills, as well as Masai Ujiri’s self-imposed directive to place more of Toronto’s younger players and place an emphasis on internal development, Dick should be able to thrive. Even as a rookie who only had one year in college, Dick will be trusted to perform.

A successful rookie season for Dick would likely consist of achieving these three goals. While he has plenty to work on from a technical and physical point of view due to his stringy frame, Dick’s feathery scoring touch and savant-like understanding of the game should help him adjust to life in the pros.

3 achievements for Toronto Raptors rookie Gradey Dick to achieve.

3. 10 points per game

Dick’s scoring was held in very high regard when he was drafted, as the Raptors likely view him as instant offense off the bench. While there are quite a few mouths to feed in this rotation, Rajakovic would be making a grave mistake if he did not feature Dick prominently.

Dick’s most significant role in his rookie season might involve a lot of standing around in the corner, but Toronto’s lack of shooters last season made the spacing almost impossible to work with. Dick was tremendous during his lone season with the Jayhawks in catch-and-shoot situations.

Gradey Dick could be a solid scorer for the Toronto Raptors.

While it might take a year or two before Dick should be trusted to create for himself in on-ball situations, his Summer League stint showed he has the tools needed to become that sort of player eventually. His touch near the basket and ability to make shots from unusual angles all work in his favor.

It might be tough for Dick to get shots when all five starters need to eat, Dennis Schroder will try to get his as a top bench presence, and names like Precious Achiuwa and Jalen McDaniels will try to make their mark. However, if Rajakovic installs a very egalitarian offense, Dick should be in line for a good diet of wide-open triples.