3 achievements Raptors rookie Gradey Dick should target in 2023
By Mike Luciano
2. 1.0 steals per game
Dick is going to be an offense-first player for his entire career, but he can’t be a negative asset on the defensive end. Gary Trent Jr. made some improvements after coming to Toronto, and Dick will need to do the same to make up for the possibility he never becomes a high-end on-ball defender.
Dick has shown some solid defensive potential in Summer League, as he used his great feel for the game and instincts on the defensive side to be disruptive and generate turnovers. Dick needs to follow Trent’s developmental path to improve his NBA longevity.
Gradey Dick must show the Toronto Raptors he could defend.
The aforementioned lack of physicality will likely be a problem on the defensive end, as his bony frame and lack of insane lateral mobility might make him somewhat of a turnstile during his rookie season. Dick needs to add about 10 pounds of muscle before his defense can really start to blossom.
The weight will eventually come, but he can use his active hands and nonstop motor to help the team immediately in 2023. There will be growing pains on this end, but Ujiri wouldn’t have taken him if he didn’t believe that Dick could take steps forward in this area.