Several of the Raptors’ young players can consider this season an overall success. Collin Murray-Boyles only needed one season to let the Raptors know that he could be a long-term center piece, Ja’Kobe Walter earned steady rotational minutes with his 3-point shooting and defense, Jamal Shead made big plays when he was forced into a bigger role by Immanuel Quickley’s injury, and AJ Lawson converted his two-way contract into a regular deal.
Gradey Dick’s season went quite differently. He started the season with a relatively steady role, logging double-digit minutes in most games. But his 3-point shot didn’t quite come along, which posed a difficult question: What can he offer the Raptors when he’s not making shots? He eventually fell out of the rotation.
His future with the team already seemed bleak when Darko Rajaković limited his minutes in March. The playoffs only further confirmed that Dick’s future would not be as a key player for the Raptors.
Gradey Dick spent the playoffs on the bench
When the Raptors needed a spark outside of the established playoff rotation, Darko Rajaković turned to Jamison Battle, who responded with a flurry of 3-pointers to seal their Game 3 win, and AJ Lawson, who played some nice minutes in Game 6.
Gradey Dick, meanwhile, only logged two minutes each in Game 1 and Game 3. He didn’t take a single shot in either game.
The Raptors had a vision when they drafted him. They needed a 3-point specialist, and Dick shot 40.3% on 5.7 attempts per game in college. He never brought that same efficiency to the NBA, though, and Ja’Kobe Walter eventually filled the role of a young 3-and-D wing, making the former Kansas star pretty much obsolete.
Moving on may be best for both parties
The 22-year-old only has one more year left on his contract with the Raptors and is unlikely to get an extension. At this point, it seems most likely that the Raptors will trade him in the offseason to open up cap space for more impactful additions.
Given his lack of minutes with the Raptors, a trade could also benefit Dick. A fresh start and an opportunity to earn playing time elsewhere could be just what he needs now. After all, the pressure on the Raptors to win will only increase after making the playoffs this season, which creates an ever-smaller margin for error and fewer opportunities for Dick to redeem himself. Other teams in the league, like the Blazers, for example, might be more willing to let him play.
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