REPORT: Raptors Star Talks Rookie Season & Plans for Offseason Training with Raptors

Toronto Raptors newcomer Gradey Dick faced a challenging start to his rookie season but managed to turn things around, emerging as one of the team’s most reliable players in the latter half of the year. Despite his early struggles, Dick remained composed, refusing to display his frustration outwardly. He maintained confidence in himself, attributing his shooting slump to the normal ebb and flow of basketball, even though it was a tough period for him.

Reflecting on his rookie journey, Dick admitted that the beginning of the season was particularly tough for him. Initially brought into the Raptors squad to provide additional shooting prowess, he struggled to meet expectations, shooting poorly from three-point range. This led to him being sidelined and sent to the G League for a brief stint where his shooting struggles persisted.

However, a turning point came when the Raptors decided to give him a break and focus on his physical conditioning. This period away from the court allowed Dick to mature both mentally and physically. When he returned, he showed remarkable improvement, notably in his three-point shooting, particularly from the corners. His resurgence was fueled by enhanced stamina and core strength, which enabled him to become a consistent contributor to the team’s success in the latter part of the season.

Looking ahead, there are high hopes for Dick’s development. He aims to further refine his skills during the offseason, particularly focusing on his ball handling and defensive capabilities. With expectations rising for the upcoming season, Dick understands the need to expand his role on both ends of the court. Offensively, he plans to diversify his game beyond spot-up shooting, while defensively, he aims to become more robust and tactically astute.

Overall, Dick’s rookie season was a rollercoaster ride, but his resilience and dedication to improvement bode well for his future with the Toronto Raptors.