Ahead of the LA Clippers’ first game versus the Toronto Raptors, Tyronn Lue lost two starters, Derrick Jones Jr. and Rui Hachimura, to injury. Kobe Sanders was the most likely player to fill in for Hachimura, as he did against the Los Angeles Lakers. Still, with the other vacancy, Lue could’ve easily given the nod to Keaton Wagler or Max Strus.
Instead, Gradey Dick, a former Raptor whom Toronto’s front office gave up on, started. Lue knew what this matchup meant to Dick, so he put the 22-year-old in a position to have a revenge game.
And how did Dick respond to the golden opportunity presented in front of him? He had his best game of the season.
Gradey Dick showed the Raptors firsthand why they should’ve held on
The Toronto Raptors might’ve walked away with the win, but they surely felt regret in their decision to move on from Gradey Dick, a player they once selected in the lottery. Dick ultimately showed what he can do in the right system, under a coaching staff that lets him play the brand of basketball he’s comfortable with.
Offensively, Dick only attempted one three-pointer. Shocking, especially to Raptors fans, right? Considering this was one of his best strengths in Toronto.
Still, Dick finished with 12 points and 3 assists, shooting 5/11 from the field. He did so by reading the defense, moving well off the ball, and being in the right place at the right time.
Dick really stood out on defense, though. He racked up two steals, tying for the team high, and it led to extra opportunities for him and the rest of the team.
For what it’s worth, Tyronn Lue played Dick 29 minutes. He’s never played more than 19 minutes before this game.
Additionally, Dick seemed locked in on forcing a stop. From start to finish, he was physical, sliding his feet effectively, and focused on contesting shots to the best of his abilities.
Overall, on both sides of the ball, this is the best he’s played all season, and it so happens to be against the team that threw him into a blockbuster trade without thinking twice.
So, shout-out to Lue for starting Dick. It certainly means a lot for the youngster to have a coach who has his back no matter what.
The hope is that Dick can keep up this type of play, as he has been all season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google