Raptors Feeling the Heat as Gradey Dick Struggles to Find His Shot
When the Toronto Raptors used the 13th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft to select Gradey Dick, the vision was clear: stretch the floor, knock down shots, and grow into a key piece alongside their young core. But as we approach the midpoint of his third season, that vision hasn’t materialized-and the gap between expectation and reality is becoming harder to ignore.
Let’s be honest: the 2023 draft class was loaded. Victor Wembanyama was the headliner, and he’s already living up to the generational hype.
Brandon Miller, Amen and Ausar Thompson-all top-five picks-are trending upward. Even players taken just ahead of Dick, like Cason Wallace and Dereck Lively II, have already made their mark on the league, including appearances in the NBA Finals.
That’s the context that makes Dick’s slow start sting even more for the Raptors. He was supposed to be the best shooter in the class, a plug-and-play wing who could space the floor and grow into a reliable rotation piece. Instead, he's struggled to deliver on the one skill that was supposed to be his calling card.
The Shooting Just Hasn’t Been There
Dick’s shooting numbers tell the story. He’s hitting just 31.3% from three this season, and his career average sits at 35.2%.
For a guy who was drafted primarily for his shooting prowess, that’s a problem. He has the form, the mechanics, the confidence-but the results haven’t followed.
And when the shooting isn’t there, the rest of his game doesn’t do much to pick up the slack. He’s not a strong defender, his passing is below average, and he hasn’t shown the kind of off-ball movement or secondary playmaking that could help mask the shooting woes.
The advanced metrics back it up. Among the 60 players selected in the 2023 draft, 49 have provided more value over replacement level than Dick. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a lottery pick.
Falling Down the Depth Chart
Last season, Dick held down a starting role. But with the arrival of Brandon Ingram, he’s been pushed back to the bench.
And it’s not just the stars taking his minutes-players like Ja’Kobe Walter and even undrafted rookie Jamison Battle have outperformed him in recent weeks. That’s the kind of internal competition that can either light a fire or expose a player’s limitations.
So far, it’s been more of the latter.
To make matters worse, the Raptors are off to a strong start this season. The team is showing signs of cohesion and progress, but Dick hasn’t been part of that upward trend. Instead of being a key contributor, he’s become a question mark.
Who Was Still on the Board?
In hindsight, the Raptors had options. Jordan Hawkins, selected right after Dick at No. 14, has struggled even more, so Toronto at least avoided that pitfall. But just a few picks later, other names are starting to shine.
Keyonte George, taken 16th by the Utah Jazz, is looking like a franchise cornerstone. He’s averaging 22.8 points and 6.9 assists per game, and he’s doing it with poise and control well beyond his years. He’s not just putting up numbers-he’s running the show.
At No. 18, Jaime Jaquez Jr. has found his groove in Miami.
After a rocky sophomore campaign, he’s bounced back in a big way, averaging 15.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game off the bench. He’s become a do-it-all sixth man who brings energy and versatility every night.
Brandin Podziemski, picked 19th by Golden State, is another player turning heads. He’s not carrying a heavy scoring load, but he’s been efficient and reliable. His 39.6% shooting from deep on nearly five attempts per game is exactly what the Raptors hoped they’d get from Dick.
Even further down the draft board, there are players who’ve carved out meaningful roles. Toumani Camara has emerged as a defensive stopper with a respectable outside shot.
Mouhamed Gueye and Jordan Walsh are showing promise as rotation forwards. And names like Noah Clowney, Ben Sheppard, Cam Whitmore, and Brice Sensabaugh have all had moments that hint at long-term value.
Is There Still Hope for Gradey?
Let’s be clear: this isn’t the end of the road for Gradey Dick. Players develop at different paces, and sometimes it takes a few years-and the right system-for things to click. He still has the shooting mechanics and the work ethic to turn things around.
But right now, the Raptors are left wondering what could have been. In a draft class full of rising stars and high-impact contributors, their pick has yet to find his footing. And as the players taken after him continue to thrive, that decision at No. 13 looks more and more like a missed opportunity.
There’s still time for Dick to rewrite the narrative. But the Raptors are in a competitive window, and patience only lasts so long when other teams are getting immediate returns from the same draft class.