With only two victories in eight matches, plus the injuries and absences of Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes, the Raptors' start to the season is not very encouraging. However, the performance of Gradey Dick is part of the good Canadian news.
The latter is averaging 21.6 points (and even 27.3 points per game since Scottie Barnes was in the infirmary) since the start of the season. This is much more than what he produced for his first season, where he posted 8.5 points, and it is supported by percentages that hold up: 47% shooting success and 38% on 3-pts.
A player who moves a lot
Clearly, he takes advantage of the absences to recover responsibilities and show off. “He found a good balance. He is aware that the shots he takes, their quantity and style, could change when Immanuel Quickley and Barnes return.”, notes Garrett Temple.
But his style is made of movements away from the ball, passes through screens and open shots on shifts. So rarely dribbles or pick-and-rolls.
Enough to allow him to remain efficient when the two absentees return to the floor.
“His current role will only improve our team”continues Garrett Temple. “His confidence will remain whether he takes 7 or 18 shots per game. As he is very good at playing away from the ball, he will adapt very well. The transition from being the first or second option to being the third or fourth won't be bad for him. His ability to make shots or close near the circle will allow us to be even more efficient offensively when the guys are back. »
Progress in defense so as not to be a liability
As Jakob Poeltl says, in certain situations, “the defenses go under the screens and when Gradey Dick comes out of these actions, it creates problems for the opponents”. He also benefits from the interior screens and “When I come off screens and I have the ball, there is a lot of attention on me and I can serve Jakob”.
Only downside: his defense is still doubtful. He still has absences and remains targeted by players taller and more powerful than him (he measures 1m98 and weighs 92 kilos).
In order not to undermine his offensive promises, the player must do the minimum on this side of the field.
“That’s the most important thing for him: not to become a liability in defense compared to what he can do in attack”summarizes Garrett Temple. “He’s comfortable, he’s aware of where he needs to be. He knows where to find his positions on offense and when to be aggressive. I can't wait to see what it's going to look like when we're complete. »
| Gradey Dick | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2023-24 | TOR | 60 | 21 | 42.5 | 36.5 | 86.3 | 0.5 | 1.8 | 2.2 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 8.5 |
| 2024-25 | TOR | 8 | 33 | 47.3 | 38.3 | 92.9 | 0.6 | 2.0 | 2.6 | 2.2 | 2.2 | 1.4 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 21.6 |
| Total | 68 | 23 | 43.6 | 36.9 | 88.6 | 0.5 | 1.8 | 2.2 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 10.0 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
