The Toronto Raptors are grinding their way through the Eastern Conference, and at 25-17, they’ve earned every bit of that record. This isn’t a team cruising to wins - they’re clawing their way through close games, night after night.
It’s the kind of high-wire act that’s led the broadcast crew to dub them a version of the “Cardiac Kids.” And honestly, it fits.
This group keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
But even with all that fight and resilience, there’s still a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the roster. The Raptors are competitive, sure, but it doesn’t quite feel like the current version of this team is built to last - at least not without some tweaks.
With the trade deadline looming, the front office is clearly evaluating which pieces are part of the long-term puzzle and which might be better used to bring in reinforcements. One name that keeps coming up in those conversations?
Gradey Dick.
Now in his third year, Dick is at a bit of a crossroads. He’s shown flashes - no question about that - but consistency has been elusive.
His three-point shooting, once considered his calling card, has dipped to 29.7 percent, and his defensive play has left a lot to be desired. He brings energy, he hustles, and you can’t question his effort, but there are times when it feels like he’s still trying to find his niche - a role that truly moves the needle for this team.
That’s why his performance against the Pacers on January 14 deserves a closer look. In a 115-101 win, Dick turned in arguably his best game of the season - and maybe of his career.
Off the bench, he logged over 30 minutes (his longest stint of the season), tied his season-high with 21 points on an efficient 9-for-15 shooting night, and grabbed a career-best 11 rebounds. He also chipped in three assists, rounding out his first-ever NBA double-double.
It was a statement game - the kind that reminds you why the Raptors took a swing on him in the lottery. Dick became just the third Raptors reserve this season to post a double-double, joining Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Murray-Boyles in that category. And for fans who remember his electric start to the 2024-25 campaign, this felt like a throwback to that version of Gradey Dick - the one who looked like a real candidate for Most Improved Player.
But one standout night isn’t enough to erase the questions. The Raptors are in a pivotal stretch of the season, and the February 5 trade deadline is coming fast.
For Dick, the pressure is still very real. That performance against Indiana?
It might’ve bought him some breathing room, but it’s not going to be the thing that saves his spot in Toronto on its own.
If he wants to be part of this franchise’s future, he’ll need to string together more games like that. The Raptors are evaluating everything right now - talent, fit, upside.
And while Dick still has the potential to be a valuable asset, he’s got to prove he can be that guy consistently. The clock is ticking, and every game between now and the deadline matters.