For most players, preseason is just an opportunity to get some in-game reps before the start of the regular season and build chemistry with new teammates. For some, it is a chance to claim a roster spot or convince coaches that they deserve rotational minutes. Gradey Dick is one of those players.
He fell out of the Toronto Raptors’ rotation during last season, as he struggled to make 3-pointers and live up to Darko Rajakovic’s defensive standards. Then he was sent to the LA Clippers in the trade that brought Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto, and he has a chance to fight his way into another coach’s rotation. Even with Max Strus and Brandon Ingram injured, his minutes are not guaranteed.
So far, Dick hasn’t been very impressive in preseason, especially considering that he is fighting for a new contract, validating the Raptors' decision to give up on him after drafting him with a lottery pick. Trading for Leonard immediately raised the expectations for the team, and the Raptors need role players who can play up to those expectations. Dick doesn’t seem ready for that.
Gradey Dick has been pretty quiet over two preseason games
Gradey Dick was drafted to be a 3-point specialist. That skill never translated to the NBA with the Raptors. He shot a solid 36.5% from deep as a rookie, but never established himself as an above-average 3-point shooter. He shot just 30% last season.
So far, that has not changed with his move to LA. Dick attempted one 3-pointer in each of his first two preseason games with the Clippers and missed both. He made just two shots and four free throws over the two games, going 1-of-5 from the field against the Golden State Warriors and 1-of-3 against the Raptors.
The question with Dick has always been what he brings to the table if he’s not knocking down shots. He’s not a great defender or a difference-maker as a passer and playmaker.
He recorded just one assist in his first outing with the Clippers and matched it with one turnover. He also committed three fouls. The biggest bright spot in that game was that he managed to grab six rebounds, including two offensive boards, in his 16 minutes on the court.
Against the Raptors, Dick wasn’t nearly as good on the glass, grabbing just one rebound to go with his four points. The rest of the stat sheet remained empty, and he played just 13 minutes.
Gradey Dick should get plenty of opportunities to turn things around
While his first two games with the Clippers haven’t been great, Dick has plenty more opportunities to prove himself to his new franchise. The Clippers play one more preseason game against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.
Once preseason is over, Dick should also get some important opportunities in the regular season. Max Strus is out for at least a month and Brandon Ingram doesn’t have an official timeline for his return from injury yet, creating some space in the wing rotation.
Playing in LA is providing Dick with more opportunities than he would have had in Toronto. The Raptors are trying to become a championship contender. The Clippers, meanwhile, are figuring out their future, and that gives Dick a better shot to claim minutes than he ever could have had with the Raptors this season.
If Dick does not seize the opportunity, he will put his NBA future at risk. He will be a restricted free agent after this season, and negotiating a new contract is tough once you get labeled as a lottery bust and end-of-bench player.
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