Before the game, I asked Darko Rajakovic if there might be an opportunity for Gradey Dick to play a big role in the upcoming game; and cited the 76ers lack of players to punish him off-ball or in isolation, and Dick’s obvious chops on offense. The answer: “We’ll see after the game.”
Boy, did we ever. Not only was Dick a clear option (at least in my mind) to trot out against the 76ers, but with O.G. Anunoby leaving the lineup as a late scratch a whole bunch of minutes suddenly became available. He was second off the bench for the Raptors to start the game, only coming in behind Precious Achiuwa who was an early spell for Jakob Poeltl. He’d go on to play nearly 30 minutes, tallying 16 points, canning triple after triple, and closing the game. He was sublime.
Of course it’s a special thing — I mean, it’s just another three in my career — but, to say that, that was my first point in an NBA game is something special. A dream come true that I’ve had since I was a little kid when I first started playing basketball. I can’t wait to go talk to my brothers, my sister and my parents about it.
Gradey Dick on his first NBA basket
Dick’s first NBA basket was the most straightforward nod to his most elite skill. Malachi Flynn is trying to run a pick n’ roll with Achiuwa, De’Anthony Melton steps in off of Dick (who is one pass away) and the read is what it should be for the whole of Dick’s forthcoming career: pass the ball to Gradey when he’s open. It’s extremely important that the Raptors can put him on the floor, because they really don’t have a lot of shooters who can do it off of a series of screens, off of movement, or finding their own rhythm with quick, short passes hitting them.
Shot prep is always a factor. Relocation and forming up is always a factor. The actual shot, is of course, always a factor. Gradey is maximizing his room for error by doing all of these at a really elite level. That’s just the shooting part, by the way. Gradey has a very clear upside as a player who can make progressive reads on ball, both as a second-side decision maker and a player who can kick off possessions.
“We’re talking about Gradey as a shot-maker. Definitely, that’s part of his game, but I see a lot of potential to develop his game.” Darko Rajakovic said of Gradey after the game. “I think he’s moving without the ball really well, that he’s a good cutter. I think he’ll be able to create off the dribble as well. I think his game is progressing – obviously he’s still very young and a rookie – but, I can see him being able to be in pick n’ rolls, and I think he’s a very good decision maker when he has the ball in his hands, finding open people. I see a lot of upside with Gradey.”
If guys try to come at a new rookie like that, don’t back down. I have the mindset, I’m not gonna back down from anyone, I never want people to feel like they can go at me like that. So, I’d rather just foul them, than let them kind of punk me like that.
Gradey Dick on his foul trouble
On the other end of the floor, the 76ers tried Gradey a few times. Some fouls came as the result of Gradey getting overwhelmed quickly and hacking to avoid a bucket. Some came as a result of his penchant for trying to playmake on defense, poking and prodding at would be steals – only for now, to see them become fouls. As the years go on and Gradey fills out his body a little more and adjusts to the speed of the game, we can expect more rewarding returns on those gambles.
“I got some fouls. I don’t remember the last time I fouled out (laughs), but I had five I think.” Dick said after the game. “So, it was good to go out there for, like you said, a stretch of time and just play my game. Being in tight game situations like that, it’s good at the start of the season. To get that experience, so later on in the season, you know, you’re a little used to it in a way.”
You can’t have everything all at once, and Gradey is still a rookie navigating a new league. But, on one side of the floor, he came pretty close. Super fun performance. Looking forward to more.
Have a blessed day.
