Raptors Gradey Dick Talks Learning From Former NBA Shooter

Toronto Raptors rookie Gradey Dick caught up with Kyle Korver on Sunday night to pick the brain of one of the NBA's greatest shooters ever

Gradey Dick is leaving no stone unturned in his development.

If there’s an opportunity to get better, the Toronto Raptors 20-year-old rookie is taking it. His willingness to learn has been one of Dick’s most impressive attributes.

It was no surprise, therefore, when Dick was seen chatting with Atlanta Hawks assistant general manager Kyle Korver during pre-game activities in Atlanta on Sunday night. If there’s anyone who knows what it’s like to become a lights-out three-point shooter in the NBA, it’s Korver.

“He’s great. A shooter like that and just a player in general like that, being able to talk to him and get little tidbits and advice from him is huge,” Dick told reporters post-game in Atlanta.

Dick said he’s run into Korver a few times over the years and every time he sees the former NBA sharpshooter, he takes a few minutes to pick his brain. Korver led the league in three-point shooting four times over his 16-year NBA career and retired with a 42.9% three-point stroke, the 10th-best all-time.

“We were talking about little workout drills and stuff like that beforehand and different things that helped him. I really try to take everything that I can from him and a player like him,” Dick said.

That eagerness to learn has helped Dick so far. After a lackluster start to the season, the 6-foot-6 rookie appears to have taken a significant step forward over his last five games. He’s shooting 8-for-17 from three-point range over the stretch and looks far more comfortable on the court than he did earlier in the season.

It’s going to be a while before Dick becomes the game-changing talent Korver once was, but if his development pays off, that’s what Toronto is hoping for. Dick can be the floor-spacing marksman flanking the corners for Scottie Barnes to work inside.