Gradey Dick coming of age for Raptors
The evolution of Gradey Dick continues, with signs of improved play overshadowing poor momentsthat began to seep into the rookie’s game when matched up against a more physical Orlando Magic team in back-to-back losses.
Dick didn’t exactly acquit himself in a blowout loss to the Sacramento Kings, either, once again getting exposed by a more physical and skillful team. But credit the kid for bouncing back when the OKC Thunder came to town Friday night when the Raptors fought valiantly in predictably losing yet another game.
Then came Saturday’s date in Washington — a 112-109 setback to the host Wizards, and loss No. 10 in a row. Dick was active, aggressive and even assertive when matched up against a smaller defender on the block. Operating out of the post is not the area Dick will flourish in and nor will he find himself so near to the rim with any frequency, but the sequence did reveal his IQ in recognizing the size advantage.
He was the only starter to make a three-point shot in the opening half, which would see the Raptors trailing by three. Of greater importance was the number ‘0’ next to Dick’s name in the turnover category.
Dick’s third triple of the game on Toronto’s opening possession to begin the second half made it a 51-51 deadlock.
This was not a game anyone will remember, but Dick’s confidence is building. He’s coming off screens with a purpose and is beginning to show a fearlessness when attacking the basket and scoring at the rim. The Raptors have been positively brutal, but when encouraging signs emerge with Dick’s game they must be viewed as a positive.
Defensively, he’ll only get better once Dick gets stronger and becomes less vulnerable.
Saturday night marked
Dick’s ninth start. But to say he is beginning to feel comfortable at the NBA level would not be a stretch. He does, though, have to exercise better judgment when attempting some above-the-rim forays to the rack.
Toronto led by as many as 11 points late in the third only to allow the Wizards to go on a run. Whether it was fatigue or simple futility, the Wizards responded to Toronto’s run as the Raptors were forced to call a timeout two minutes into the final quarter.
These are not the Wizards of John Wall and Bradley Beal and nor did the Raptors bear any resemblance to the Kyle Lowry and Demar Derozan units when the teams battled in the post-season.
Saturday night’s fourth quarter did have its moments of what could loosely be described as drama as the Raptors tried to end their nine-game losing streak.
Dick made his first trip to the line with 5:04 left, making both shots to complete a sequence that began with Dick making a defensive play at the rim.