NFL
By: Greg Rector
The Toronto Raptors selected Gradey Dick the 6’7’1/2″ Shooting Guard from the University of Kansas with their 13th selection in the NBA draft.
Yes, Dick wore red because he is from Kansas it was for Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. He will wear red and black in Toronto for the Raptors and will be a crucial piece in the future of the Toronto Raptors. Gradey Dick will open the floor for Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam.
His basketball IQ is off the charts as seen against Duke last season when he made key plays to defeat the Blue Devils. His ability to shoot from the outside will be vital as the Toronto Raptors struggled last season in half-court basketball. His head coach Bill Self said of Dick “I’m not going to make any bold predictions,” Self said, “but it’s been very positive that people like Gradey a lot — and they like him all throughout the lottery, not just at the end of it.”
The Toronto Raptors have needed a player like Gradey Dick for quite a while. He can play small forward as well as a shooting guard.
Pascal Siakam
Pascal Siakam made any deal for him go away by not being willing to re-sign a new deal with anyone. This means the Toronto Raptors the city of Toronto and the country as a whole have been embraced by an all-NBA player. That matters not to many but for many others, it’s a huge success of what matters within the organization.
Pascal Siakam reportedly has no desire to leave Toronto. 👀 pic.twitter.com/idKZ4nTl2q
— theScore (@theScore) June 22, 2023
So that’s why there was no deal with Portland Atlanta or any number of other squads looking to get Siakam.
OG Anunoby
OG Anunoby was also staying put. I personally believe that after the non-trade at last season’s trade deadline, the Raptors missed their opportunity to move Anunoby for as many first-round picks as was reported they were being offered three first-round picks for Anunoby.
Gary Trent Jr
Gary Trent Jr is staying with the Toronto Raptors as he exercised his option to stay with the Toronto Raptors and is expected to sign a new longer-term deal in July when free agency starts. This is another signing that shows Toronto is a very good place to play and live in. Trent Jr’s going to get a chance at starting with the Raptors seemingly moving on from Fred Van Vleet.
Fred Van Vleet
Van Vleet was the first player to not opt into his contract. Van Vleet might be still a Toronto Raptor or he will be involved in a sign-and-trade with numerous teams needing a veteran point guard.
Toronto Raptors
Overall I believe the Toronto Raptors absolutely got the guy they needed and didn’t move any of their big names. Now it remains to be seen if free agency does indeed see any of the big core moves along to another squad. This free agency period will be telling for the new coaching staff. I personally believe they won’t move anyone and will run back the roster outside of Fred Van Vleet.
