Raptors first-round pick Gradey Dick has quickly become a fan favorite and he’s enjoying the vibe he’s gotten in Toronto, Doug Smith of the Toronto Star writes.
“I’ve talked about it a lot, this team stuff — and even before the draft. I wanted to be in an organization where I could find that good fit in it, but also be in a winning culture with a fan base that’s not like anybody else, and I think I hit the jackpot … coming here,” Dick said. “Walking down the street and families coming up, the first thing they say is: ‘Welcome to Toronto. We’re glad to have you.’ And I think that’s what we like to hear the most, rather than a quick: ‘Hi, bye.’”
The Kansas product, who was selected with the No. 13 overall pick, is expected to appear in some Summer League contests in Las Vegas.
We have more on the Raptors:
- Dick adds an element that the team has lacked in recent seasons, according to Eric Koreen of The Athletic. They needed a natural shot-maker and Dick, who’s more versatile than a typical corner shooter, fits that bill. However, he has to prove he’s a capable defender in order to stay on the floor for long stretches.
- Big man Chris Boucher believes Darko Rajakovic was a perfect choice to replace Nick Nurse, he told Smith, believing he’ll relate to the players very well. Nurse reportedly had strained relationships with some of his players. “He’s definitely a special coach. You can tell he’s probably going to change a lot of stuff, but it seems like it’s something we needed,” Boucher said. “He’s really focusing on the players and making sure that we’re good. The first thing he said — he said it every day that I saw him — (is) it’s not about (him), it’s about you guys. And I think that’s something that will really help us get better.”
- Forward OG Anunoby is changing representatives, as he’s decided to leave Klutch Sports, according to Marc Stein in his latest Substack post. The Raptors continue to resist trade inquiries for Anunoby.
Dick can be the best version of Duncan Robinson if things go well. A very useful rotation piece who can get hot from deep and hopefully not kill you on defense.
Dick offers better rebounding, defence and ball movement than Robinson.
He was getting killed by college kids on defense so I’m not sure why you think he’d be better than Duncan Robinson. He’s got good size and can shoot, but he’s going to have a hard time staying in games because he can’t defend.
Duncan Robinson is Dick’s floor. I think he can be a better version of Kevin Huerter.
I saw a scouting report somewhere earlier this week that suggested Reggie Miller a ceiling.
Rich Paul is the most powerful agent in the world. Can he help OG to sign overpay contract something like 4 years $120 million?
Typical example is that he did not help Draymond to sign extension last year, now Draymond market is huge
Lakers
Blazers
Kings
Pistons
SNT to make contract bigger
Dray isn’t getting 4/$120M, and I could get OG that contract. You need to stop posting Sillivan.
That’s OGs floor, maybe a fair offer is 5/$160M by TO
Rich Paul never represented OG. His agent left that is why he is leaving the agency.
Dick is the best value pick after Wemby in the draft. He will be prefect playing off Barnes. Love that pick by Raptors
Underrated, Dick will be a star one day if he can play D. I think his offensive IQ and scoring will surprise a lot of people