3 Players that deserve more playing time for the Raptors next season

No. 1: Gradey Dick

The Toronto Raptors used their lottery pick in the 2023 NBA Draft on Kansas sharpshooter Gradey Dick, a move that looked like a steal at the time as Dick was often projected inside of the Top 10, as early as No. 6 to the Orlando Magic; for him to fall to 13 was a draft-night victory.

Then the season began, and Gradey Dick was buried on the depth chart, playing in just 21 of the team's first 42 games and clearing 20 minutes just five times. Then things shifted and the rookie has played every game since January 20th, including starting 13 of the last 15 games filling in for RJ Barrett.

The lack of shot creation on the Raptors over the past few weeks has hampered the offense overall, and for the season just 26.3 percent of Gradey Dick's 3-pointers have been wide-open; he shoots 38.5 percent on those shots, compared to 18.2 percent on "tightly" guarded attempts and 36.4 percent overall.

Assuming Gary Trent Jr. moves on this summer, or even if he returns, the Raptors should give Gradey Dick first crack at starting at the 2 between Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett. His combination of size and shooting ability are an ideal fit to cultivate into a long-term starter, and he has enough upside that he should get plenty of playing time to spread his wings.