The Toronto Raptors' new development-centric directive after the Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby trades has pushed No. 13 overall pick Gradey Dick into the spotlight. He's been given moe rotation time after his G League exile, and he seems to have come back a better player.
Dick is still just 20 years old, and any little bit of advice that could help him become a better pro player will be greatly appreciated. Last night, the former Jayhawk stud received some sage advice from someone who has been down the same road he has.
Before Toronto's loss at the buzzer to the Atlanta Hawks, Dick could be seen chatting with longtime NBA shooting guard and current Hawks assistant general manager Kyle Korver before the game. Korver walked this exact same path, and Dick seemed very grateful for the ability to learn from him.
“A shooter like that and just a player in general like that, being able to talk to him and get little tidbits and advice from him is huge,” Dick said after the game. “We were talking about little workout drills and stuff like that beforehand and different things that helped him. I really try to take everything that I can from him and a player like him."
Kyle Korver chatting with Gradey Dick pregame. pic.twitter.com/yAWUZcNV3c
— Savanna Hamilton (@SavHamilton11) January 28, 2024
Toronto Raptors' Gradey Dick gets advice from Kyle Korver.
Dick's struggles from 3-point range have been alarming, as he only recently went over 30% from deep on the season after lighting it up at Kansas. Dick has looked much more respectable in the last few games, which has conseuqently been his longest extended streak of rotation time this season.
While Dick is working on becoming a better defender and passer this season, his success in the NBA will ultimately be determined by how well he shoots from 3-point range. Korver shot 43% in his career from deep and even topped 50% in one season. If anyone is worth listening to on the subject, it's him.
If Dick gets his shot back on track, he could finally become the Sixth Man Toronto always envisioned he could be. His defensive effort is much better than it was at Kansas, and he already looks to be a better passer than some expectec coming out of college. Getting his shot back is critical.
If he fixes that shot, Dick could have. Korver-esque career wherein he either stays as an ace reserve for a contending team to wanders from playoff squad to playoff squad on the back of his deadly marksmanship. He has a long way to go, but Korver's advice could prove quite important for him.