The Raptors have made their first major addition in the Darko Rajakovic era.
With the 13th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Toronto selected Gradey Dick, a 6-foot-8 shooting guard from Kansas. With free agency just over a week away, this draft selection is the first real glimpse into the vision that Rajakovic, Masai Ujiri and Bobby Webster have for building this team moving forward.
The Sporting News looks into just what Dick will bring to the Raptors.
MORE: Raptors' pick Gradey Dick explains Dorothy-inspired ruby red suit
Raptors draft pick Gradey Dick
Here's more on Gradey Dick from The Sporting News NBA Draft expert, Kyle Irving:
Dick is the premier shooter in the 2023 NBA Draft. He converted 40.3 percent of his 206 3-point attempts as a freshman, proving to be capable of knocking down shots in any way possible. He has NBA range, he can fly off of screens, catch-and-shoot on the wing or corner, or create a shot for himself with one or two dribbles to get a clean look past closing-out defenders.
Raptors team needs
- Perimeter shooting
- Guard depth
Entering the draft, Toronto had just two guards on its roster — Malachi Flynn and Gary Trent Jr. Given the state of the roster, the free agency decision of Fred VanVleet looms large.
While the Raptors do get playmaking from the forward position, the lack of guards on the roster has resulted in glaring shooting issues. Last season, the Raptors hit just 10.7 3s per game at a 33.5 percent clip — both marks were third-worst among all NBA teams.
The biggest need for Toronto is at the guard position as the team desperately needs perimeter shooting and guard depth, regardless of whether or not VanVleet decides to move on as a free agent.
How Gradey Dick fits with Raptors
Schematically, Toronto is going to look much different offensively than in years past.
Rajakovic has written academic journals on the pick-and-roll, so it's reasonable to envision Dick benefitting from a pick-and-roll heavy offense. With drivers getting downhill, Dick will be looked upon to space the floor with his shooting ability.
It's important to also cite Rajakovic's track record of player development. During his time as an assistant coach, Rajakovic has been credited with helping both Desmond Bane and Mikal Bridges make big leaps in their development.
This isn't to say that Dick is Bane or Bridges, but rather a reminder that he'll be able to make his own version of a developmental leap in the coming years.
Gradey Dick stats, highlights
- 14.1 points per game
- 5.1 rebounds per game
- 1.7 assists per game
- 1.4 steals per game
- 44.2 percent field goal shooting
- 40.3 percent 3-point shooting
- 85.4 percent free throw shooting
Raptors roster 2023
The Raptors have 12 players under contract for the 2023-24 season, with Joe Wieskamp and Thaddeus Young on non-guaranteed deals. Toronto can carry up to 15 players on a standard contract and an additional two players on two-way contracts.
| Player | Pos. | Salary |
| Precious Achiuwa | F | $4.4 million |
| OG Anunoby | F | $18.6 million |
| Scottie Barnes | F | $8.0 million |
| Chris Boucher | F | $11.8 million |
| Gradey Dick | G | $4.5 million |
| Malachi Flynn | G | $3.9 million |
| Christian Koloko | C | $1.7 million |
| Otto Porter Jr. | F | $6.3 million |
| Pascal Siakam | F | $37.9 million |
| Gary Trent Jr. | G | $18.6 million |
| Joe Wieskamp | F | $1.9 million |
| Thaddeus Young | F | $8.0 million |
