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Thank-you for the long and excellent analysis of the evolution of Gradey Dick. It’s not just nerds who know about. Any Raptors fan is also in love with him (and Ochai Agbaji, his Kansas alum - any minute now they’re going to arrive at the arena in matching red spangled blazers).

Within the context of the discussion about the importance of Toronto tanking or learning to win, about 6 days ago, I argued that draft position outside of the top 3 or 4 is not really important, citing Gradey as having outperformed about 6 of the people taken ahead of him. You have him ranked 7th, versus his 13th position in the draft.

Another consideration not highlighted in your analysis is the training rookies get in their organizations. Darko said Gradey Dick had the physique of a 16 year old when he first arrived and so an extensive programme of physical development, went along with a new mental approach to becoming more than a spot-up shooter. Trayce Jackson-Davis has also clearly benefited from superior developent in the GSW organization.

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