In the span of nine minutes, all the improvements, and there have been many, made by Gradey Dick were on full display Tuesday night when the Raptors tipped off the NBA’s in-season tournament against the host Milwaukee Bucks.
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There was a charge the sophomore wing took on all-world and former NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo, a catch and shoot corner triple, an air ball from beyond the arc and a second foul drawn when Dickey put the ball on the floor.
Nine minutes on a night when the Raptors wrapped up their five-game road trip featuring sequences that underscored how far Dick has come from last year’s rookie campaign and moments magnifying how much growth awaits.
The kid, at least 12 games into the grind that is the NBA’s season, has exceeded all expectations. His tires have been pumped by the likes of Sacramento head coach Mike Brown and by Lakers head coach JJ Redick.
When the Kings were in town on the same night Vince Carter’s jersey was raised to rafters, Brown spoke glowingly. “I’m not saying he’s Steph (Curry) or Klay (Thompson), but the things he’s doing they do those things,” said Brown, who was on Golden State’s staff on a championship team that featured the Splash Brothers.
During Toronto’s stay in Los Angeles, Redick spoke of the green light Dick has been provided. “He’s a fantastic offensive player,” said Reddick.
Opportunity created by injuries have allowed Dick to get extended minutes and with them he’s been able to expand his game. His off-the-ball movement is somewhat similar to Curry, but the reality is there’s no one quite like Curry. His catch-and-shoot is a bit reminiscent of Thompson, who left the Bay Area in free agency for the Dallas Mavericks, but Dick is nowhere near as defensive-minded. Comparisons to retired players such as Kyle Korver and Ray Allen have been made, but Dick is very much comfortable in his skin and is the type who is bent on creating his own legacy.
Toronto’s Big 3 of Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett has yet to play a single game this season. Once the three players whom the Raptors are intent on building around are able to be on the same floor together over an extended stretch a more definitive read on Dick will be made. For now, there’s so much to like and so much to look forward to.
The fear is the day will eventually arrive when the Raptors realize a player better than Barnes, whose biggest knock is that he can’t knock down shots consistently, must be acquired. When the Raptors won the championship in 2019, they sacrificed DeMar DeRozan, and used Jonas Valanciunas and Terrence Ross as trade chips to improve their roster. Perhaps that day won’t arrive and fans will witness Dick’s evolution and growth. He’s definitely established himself and good on Dick. When he’s been knocked down, Dick quickly bounces back. His offensive versatility has certainly been a welcome surprise.
In time, he’ll only get stronger, which will allow Dick to operate more in the post in favorable matchups. He moves well off the ball and has an arsenal of moves, whether he’s making floaters or drilling baseline fadeaways. As he continues to grow, a key dimension Dick must add is an ability to take his defender off the dribble in isolation.
There was no denying the Raptors’ best player in the opening half in the NBA Cup. Dick slipped on the colorful court at Fiserv Forum before he put on a show. At the break, the Raptors trailed the Bucks 47-41. Dick accounted for 22 of Toronto’s points by attempting only seven shots from the field.
He was in attack mode as evidenced by his 14 attempts at the line and Dick’s 12 makes. Eventually, he’ll have to refine his handle and create for others when initiating an offence. So far, so good with plenty to come from Dick.
While the numbers speak to Dick’s growth, some perspective is required because this Raptors team is not good and it’s a team playing with absolutely no pressure. It’s also a team that does not know how to play defence.
In the second half, Dick used a simple ball fake to drill a three-pointer on his first touch He then attacked the rim from the perimeter to get to the line as the Raptors made it a one-possession game.
The Raptors would turn the Bucks over before tying the game as Toronto went on a 12-0 run. Toronto began to pick up Milwaukee in the full court.
Then came a sequence when Dick made an astute play by getting in the passing lane to force a Bucks turnover. Then came a stretch where the Bucks began to take control as their grip on the game would not be relinquished.
A three-pointer by Dick allowed him to reach 30 points for the third time this season. A very nice bounce pass by Dick would be finished by Bruno Fernando on a thunderous dunk. A not-so nice pass led to a turnover, Dick’s third on the night, as the Bucks would extend their lead to double digits.
What’s been especially enlightening, not to mention encouraging, has been Dick’s compete level. Keep in mind this is not a good Raptors team and more losses are inevitable, but if they could somehow follow Dick’s lead nights such as Tuesday can be prevented. A decisive drive to the hole resulted in a basket as Dick scored his 32nd point, a career-high.
In a way, his stellar play has stood out because the Raptors are so pitiful, so thin on talent. What Dick has shown is that he must remain a focal point on offence when all the pieces are healthy and on the floor.
His effort on defence is commendable, but Dick will carve his name on offence when he’s creating and showing a flair and fearlessness. The kid is talented and he’s just beginning to scratch the surface. His frustration came out late in the night with the Raptors getting blown out when Dick attempted a few ill-advised shots.
Amid all the early season losses, the biggest winner has been Dick, who netted 14 of his game-high 32 points from the foul line.