Although the number 13 has been recognised as one of the unluckiest numbers in the world, that number proved to be very useful for one particular NBA team.
With only one pick throughout the entire 2023 NBA draft, the Toronto Raptors front office knew they had no room for error with their selection. With the 13th overall pick, the Raptors franchise selected Gradey Dick from Kansas. Despite the hype around other prospects in the draft such as Scoot Henderson & Victor Wembanyama taking the spotlight, the new Toronto Raptors guard could prove to be the ultimate surprise in the draft.
Standing at six feet, eight inches tall, Gradey Dick’s height is much taller than the average height of a shooting guard in the NBA. Most shooting guards range from six feet, four inches tall to around six feet, six inches tall. This height difference means Gradey Dick will almost always be at an advantage when shooting over guards that will be defending him but also this means he has an immense amount of defensive potential which the Raptors could use.
After a lacklustre season, failing to make the playoffs and having the seventh worst offence in the league, there is no doubt that the new rookie’s shooting ability will improve the teams scoring. Shooting 40.3% off of his 5.7 three point attempts per game, Gradey Dick is undoubtedly the best shooter in the draft being a laser from the three point line.
With the Toronto Raptors ranking third worst in three point percentage and three point makes per game last year, the addition of Gradey’s game will be instantly felt and is the perfect young talent to rebuild with. Suggesting the Raptors start rebuilding for the future, building around a young core of Gradey Dick and Scottie Barnes would be a solid, lengthy duo to work with. Scottie Barnes who has shown already that he likes to be a ball handler will work well with Gradey’s off the ball movement, shooting off the ball ability and all round high basketball IQ. As point guard, Fred Vanvleet may look to opt out of his contract this summer, without a playmaker, the Raptors rookie may struggle to get good shots in his opening year with the franchise due to his inability to create quality looks for himself. However, with a pure playmaker playing alongside him, the right development and correct growth, Gradey has the potential to reach the level of Klay Thompson, an elite, two-way shooting guard on a contending NBA roster.
As of right now, the largest weakness in his game comes from defence, however as the young guard has a height of 6’8 with a 6’9 wingspan, he most definitely has the tools to succeed defensively and can ultimately improve on the defensive end through individual training as well as coaching, so it should not create panic amongst Raptor fans.
In his introductory press conference, speaking on where he developed his basketball IQ, Gradey claimed he is not afraid of failing. Gradey stated: “Playing game tight situations where you’re forced to be put in those tight spots in a game and fail a lot, I think that’s one of the most important things growing up and still now, that’s the most times you learn.” He added: “Coming in as a rookie and not being afraid to fail in practice, and maybe some points in game can really help you in the long run.”
As his overall game at this moment in time already displays shades of Luke Kennard, who has proven to be a reliable, clutch shooter for both The Memphis Grizzlies and The Los Angeles Clippers, even if Gradey does not fulfil the potential of becoming an elite two-way guard, he is still sure to be a useful scoring option for the Raptors who’s ability to knock down shots will only get better with time and confidence.
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