Gradey Dick is expected to be the Toronto Raptors starting shooting guard this season.
After the Raptors let Gary Trent Jr. walk, all arrows pointed to Dick replacing him in the starting lineup. However, Toronto has not yet made a decision.
Darko Rajakovic said that training camp and preseason will determine where things stand with the rotation, so Dick still has his work cut out for him.
Dick was asked about competing for a starting role at media day.
“I mean I think it’s just taking it one day at a time, in my case, I’m going try my best to be in the position that the team needs. And it’s not me pushing my agenda, it’s the role I need to fill and if that calls for the starting position then I’m going to put my all into that,” he said.
Dick got off to a slow start in his rookie season, but he picked it up in the second-half. He averaged 11.0 points in February, while shooting 55.4 percent from the field and 49.0 percent from three. Dick had his best month in April where he averaged 14.1 points in 30.0 minutes per game.
When looking at the projected starting lineup for the Raptors it would make sense to include Dick. His shooting would help space the floor with players like Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett attacking the basket. However, he would need to hold his own on the defensive end. Based on Rajakovic’s comments at media day, defense will be a strong point of emphasis this season. So that could leave Ochai Agbaji as an option for the starting lineup as well.
If Dick is named the fifth starter for the Raptors, he will join Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl.
Scottie Barnes will miss start of training camp for personal reasons
Scottie Barnes will miss the start of training camp due to personal reasons.
The Raptors excused the fourth-year player, the team told reporters at training camp. Barnes was in attendance at Raptors Media Day on Monday but did not make the trip to Montreal.
However, he is expected to join the team later in the week.
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!
