'FUTURE OF THIS ORGANIZATION': Gradey Dick put on special program with Raptors 905

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The Raptors provided clarity on the plan for rookie Gradey Dick following Monday’s win over Cleveland.

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Dick, the 13th pick of last year’s NBA draft, has played in 19 games, but almost not at all since Nov. 21.

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“Well, Gradey, the last two weeks he’s on a special program like with his weights, with conditioning,” Rajakovic said. “He’s been doing a lot of work. He’s been spending a lot of time on the court. We decided that this is a good moment for him to really focus on his body and we made a really good plan for him.

“When he goes on next assignment with 905, it’s going to be an opportunity for him with everything that he’s worked on last two weeks, kind of like to put it in a game set up and play.”

Dick was assigned to Raptors 905 before Toronto’s six-game trip and Raptors 905 will play four times while the big club is away, twice at home and twice on the road before that.

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The former Kansas star has yet to suit up in the G League.

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The Raptors initially gave him some minutes early on, with the highlight being a 16-point effort against Philadelphia in 28 minutes, but his body hasn’t looked ready yet for the NBA and his three-point shot — labelled as the best in the draft — has been off so far, with Dick connecting on only 25% of his attempts.

Dick only turned 20 years old recently and the club remains high on him.

“I think that that’s very healthy for him. And definitely, he’s going to be back with us and he’s going to be in the rotation and playing,” Rajakovic said.

“He’s the future of this organization. But he needs to check a couple of points before we really unleash him on the court.”

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