As Summer League action continues to highlight the Toronto Raptors’ defensive mindset, third-year guard Gradey Dick may find himself slipping down the rotation.
Toward the end of the 2024-25 season, head coach Darko Rajakovic made his stance on next year’s roster decisions clear. In his words, he’s “not here to be an ice cream man,” adding that his role is “not to please everybody.” The message? Players won’t be guaranteed minutes based on past roles — everyone must earn their spot moving forward.
That kind of shift could be especially concerning for players on the fringe — and one name that stands out is Gradey Dick.
The Raptors’ Summer League squad has impressed with a gritty, high-energy defensive identity, and several young players are making strong cases for rotation minutes. Collin Murray-Boyles, for instance, silenced critics with a standout performance against the Warriors on July 17 — 20 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and four steals. Though his shooting range remains limited, he’s shown strong instincts on the glass and around the rim, while looking the part defensively — some even drawing comparisons to a “mini-Draymond.”
Ja’Kobe Walter has also taken a noticeable leap, adding size and playing with the type of spark and hustle that defines this new-look Raptors core. And it doesn’t stop there — names like Jamal Shead, Jonathan Mogbo, Jamison Battle, and two-way players Ulrich Chomche and Alijah Martin have all stood out with relentless defense and physical play.
While Dick had moments last season that showed promise, especially with his effort and shooting, concerns remain. His defense was often a liability, and even his three-point shooting — 35% last year — didn’t separate him enough to outweigh the gap on the defensive end. Despite being one of the few pure shooters on the roster alongside Immanuel Quickley, the emergence of these hungry, versatile defenders could put Dick’s spot at risk.
Walter, Shead, Mogbo, Martin, and Murray-Boyles all bring something tangible on the defensive end — a trait that the Raptors clearly prioritize. Jonathan Mogbo was once viewed as a potential roster cut, but his defensive versatility may now offer more long-term value, especially with overlapping skill sets alongside Scottie Barnes and Murray-Boyles.
In a franchise that values gritty defenders and relentless effort, Gradey Dick will have to prove he offers something unique and indispensable — or risk being the odd man out.
“Defense wins championships,” the saying goes — and in Toronto, that philosophy has never been more obvious.
