Gradey Dick is coming off his first-career start in the NBA.
He filled in for O.G. Anunoby in the Raptors starting lineup in their matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.
As a result the 19-year-old made history for the Raptors:
Per Raptors PR, Gradey Dick is just the 3rd teenager to start for the Raptors.
Chris Bosh and T-Mac the others.
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) November 16, 2023
Dick struggled from the field in 26 minutes of action. He scored 11 points on 2/10 shooting from the field and 1/6 from deep.
For the season Dick is averaging just 4.4 points and 1.6 rebounds per game. The biggest area of concern has been his efficiency. He’s making just 29 percent of his shots overall and is shooting it 25 percent from three.
The Raptors brought in Dick to help with their offense and three-point shooting. Dick was regarded as the best shooter in his draft class.
It’s been a bumpy transition for the 19-year-old so far going from college to the NBA level.
Dark Rajakovic spoke with Doug Smith of the Toronto Star and talked about his rookie’s early season struggles:
“There is no other way to learn than to go through it and we’ve got to live with some of his mistakes.”
Dick is likely to return to the bench against the Boston Celtics as Gary Trent Jr. who is probable figures to start if he’s ready to go.
Raptors injuries ahead of matchup against Celtics
O.G. Anunoby is doubtful to play against the Celtics, but the Raptors are hoping to have Gary Trent Jr. back who is now probable:
Thad Young is under the weather and won’t be available for tonight’s in-season tournament game vs Boston. Trent is listed as probable and Anunoby remains doubtful.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) November 17, 2023
Thad Young is under the weather and will not play and Otto Porter Jr. has now been ruled out with a personal manner.
The Raptors look to get back in the win column and beat the Celtics this time around.
Have you subscribed to the Raptors Nation YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!