Toronto Raptors' Gradey Dick Falls Out of Rotation Amid Struggling Season
Gradey Dick, once heralded as a top prospect for the Toronto Raptors, has experienced a significant downturn in his third NBA season, leading to his removal from the team's regular rotation. The 2023 13th overall pick, who showed promising flashes in his first two years, has struggled mightily in the 2025-26 campaign, posting poor shooting percentages and defensive lapses that have made him a liability on the court.
Statistical Struggles and Coaching Perspective
Dick's performance metrics tell a stark story of decline. Over his last ten games, he has shot a mere 31.6% from the field, with a season average of 41.4%. His three-point shooting has also faltered, and defensively, he has often been targeted by opposing players, exacerbating his challenges. Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic addressed Dick's situation before a recent loss to the San Antonio Spurs, acknowledging the player's difficulties while maintaining faith in his long-term potential.
"Obviously what he experienced in his first two years in the NBA is pretty different than what he's going through this season," Rajakovic stated. "He's in the process of learning how to be a professional, how to embrace that role, how to learn to play that role. And he had games where he did very well and he had games that did not do great. So he has to live with the process."
Rotation Changes and Team Dynamics
The Raptors' rotation has shifted significantly, with other players stepping up in Dick's absence. Sophomore guard Ja'Kobe Walter has solidified his position as the primary wing option off the bench, demonstrating excellent play over recent weeks. Even lesser-used Jamison Battle has received minutes ahead of Dick in the past two games, highlighting the depth of the team's bench options.
This change culminated in Dick receiving his first "did not play-coach's decision" of the season during Wednesday's game, marking a notable shift from his earlier consistent, albeit limited, court time. Rajakovic emphasized that the team's belief in Dick remains intact, viewing his development as a long-term project rather than a short-term fix.
Franchise Context and Future Outlook
The Raptors' current success has altered the team's priorities. With a record nearly ten games above .500 and holding fifth place in the conference, playoff contention is now a realistic goal. This shift means that the team must prioritize reliable contributors over developmental projects, placing Dick in a precarious position unless injuries or other factors create opportunities for his return.
Dick, who starred at Kansas and in high school before his NBA career, is signed through the 2026-27 season after the Raptors picked up his team option in October. However, unless there is a dramatic turnaround in team performance or roster availability, it appears unlikely that he will reclaim a significant role this season. The Raptors' focus on winning games has temporarily sidelined the young wing's development, leaving his immediate future in question as the team pushes for postseason success.
