Here are 3 reasons the Toronto Raptors picked Kansas’ Gradey Dick in 2023 NBA draft
LAWRENCE — Gradey Dick was all smiles during his introductory press conference with the Toronto Raptors.
Dick, who played college basketball at Kansas, praised his parents at different times. He alluded to how he doesn’t shy away from being the villain when it comes to how he’s viewed by opposing fans. He only had positive things to say about the fit he has in Toronto with the NBA organization that picked him 13th overall in the first round of this year’s draft.
But why did the Raptors go with the Jayhawks standout? Why did Dick become the latest lottery pick to come out of Kansas? Toronto’s general manager, Bobby Webster, took some time with reporters after the selection to explain the decision.
Gradey Dick is a talented shooter
Dick started his freshman year at Kansas with the reputation of being a lethal 3-point shooter, and lived up to it. On the way to being the Jayhawks’ second-leading scorer, he shot 40.3% from behind the arc. It helped him head into the draft as arguably the best shooter available.
Webster said that they’ll see how things play out in the years ahead, but Toronto had Dick in his own group when it came to how they ranked him as a shooter. The Raptors had some idea that Dick would be available when it came their turn in the draft. They’re happy they were able to add him.
Gradey Dick isn’t only a shooter
Webster was clear that they don’t view Dick as a shooter alone. Webster praised the way Dick can play off the ball, make backdoor cuts, rebound and pass. Although there was an acknowledgement of how Dick will be viewed as a rookie, as a shooter, Webster took time to illustrate how well-rounded he views Dick’s game.
Dick was Kansas’ third-leading rebounder. He finished the season with the third-most steals among Jayhawks. His best quality at this point is a shooter, but there’s enough evidence that he has the potential to be more than that.
Gradey Dick is someone who can contribute as a rookie
There’s going to be time for Dick to develop at the professional level, but much like some recent Kansas players he’ll be expected to contribute as a rookie. Webster said the hope is Dick can come off the bench and make shots without making too many mistakes. Webster indicated that there’s a belief Dick will be able to earn the trust of his coaches.
During Dick’s lone season with the Jayhawks, Webster said he showed that he could play on a roster with veterans. So, that bodes well for how Dick will be able to adjust to a NBA roster with talented pieces already there. It’s just a matter of how much that translates this upcoming season.
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Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He is the National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas for 2022. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: 3 reasons Toronto picked Kansas’ Gradey Dick in 2023 NBA draft
