The Toronto Raptors selected Gradey Dick No. 13 at the 2023 NBA Draft.
Fans were excited about Dick’s ability to stretch the floor and hit the three. However, early on this season Dick has struggled mightily with his shot. Dick through 15 games was averaging 3.9 points on 27 percent shooting from the field and 24.4 percent from three.
As a result the Raptors assigned Dick to Raptors 905. They hope he can find his rhythm and regain some confidence.
It’s way too early to write off Dick 15 games into his NBA career, but it’s normal to look ahead and see how the players who were selected ahead of him are doing.
Jordan Hawkins is one of the players the Raptors were rumored to draft. He ended up being taken by the New Orleans Pelicans at No. 14 right after Dick.
Hawkins has played well with the Pelicans so far averaging 12.9 points on 39.4 percent shooting from the field and 37.3 percent from three.
The other player who was on the Raptors draft board was Keyonte George, who got taken by the Utah Jazz at No. 16.
George has been sensational for the Jazz, proving to be their point guard of the future. He’s averaging 10.5 points on 34.7 percent from the field and 31.1 percent from three. He has had a few standout performances as well. His best one coming in the Utah’s latest win over the Portland Trail Blazers in overtime:
Utah Jazz rookie Keyonte George tonight #TakeNote
— 21 points
— 6 rebounds
— 6 assists
— 7/17 FG
— 1/8 3P
— 6/10 FT pic.twitter.com/DoJOpDQgNa— No Ceilings (@NoCeilingsNBA) December 3, 2023
Not picking George may end up hurting the Raptors the most as they could have used a good young point guard alongside Scottie Barnes. However, the Raptors thought they were going to bring back Fred VanVleet, who eventually left for the Houston Rockets in free agency.
Dick can turn it around
There’s still plenty of time for Dick to turn it around. A stint with Raptors 905 may be what he needs to get things going.
Dick has had some nice spurts with the Raptors. He now just needs to get his shot to fall consistently.
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