Raptors’ Darko Rajakovic on Gradey Dick: ‘He is getting more comfortable’
Toronto Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic believes rookie Gradey Dick continues to show on-court improvement on both ends of the court this season.
Dick spent much of his time over the first half of the season with the Raptors 905 in the G League. The team felt it was best that Dick continued to see consistent playing time with the 905 in an effort to get him up to speed to contribute nightly in the NBA.
The 13th pick has remained with the Raptors over the past month, resulting in consistent rotation minutes. Rajakovic sees him adjusting to the competition well of late.
Overall, he is getting more comfortable playing NBA minutes, going against NBA personnel. He is finding his spots on the court where he can score. Obviously, when he is on the court together with Kelly (Olynyk) in the second unit, the ball just finds him, so he is able to do a good job offensively there.
Defensively, it’s still a work in progress. There are good moments, there is good stuff there, but there is also recognition of the personnel and who’s on the court and how he needs to guard those (players), and there is no other way to learn those things but to go through experience and to get to know.
Dick is averaging 8.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 43.5% shooting from 3-point range in 17 games since returning to the rotation on Jan. 12. He has scored in double figures six times in that span, including a career-high 22 points on Feb. 5.
The organization was encouraged by how Dick performed in the G League. The staff also worked extensively with him in the weight room and on his conditioning to further prepare him for the increased workload at the next level.
Dick had the opportunity to further learn the Raptors’ system and adjust to different looks on both ends of the court with the 905. They like how he has handled himself and believe he has a bright future.
