The Toronto Raptors finally put an end to months of speculation and worrying, as they used their first-round draft choice in the 2023 NBA Draft on Kansas sharpshooter Gradey Dick. No team in the league needs shooting as badly as Toronto did.
With Dick fresh off averaging 15 points per game while drilling 40% of his 3-pointers during his lone season in Lawrence, it makes sense as to why teams coveted him. He is more than just a spot-up shooter, as he can rip down the rim with some big dunks.
What did the rest of NBA Twitter think of the Dick pick? Let’s just say it was hard for them to contain their excitement about what Masai Ujiri did.
NBA Twitter reacts to Toronto Raptors picking Gradey Dick
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer liked Dick’s fit with the Raptors, as he thinks that his athleticism, shooting, and terrific feel for the game will allow him to form very fruitful partnerships with Scottie Barnes and new head coach Darko Rajakovic quickly.
Gradey Dick is a good fit for the Raptors. They need shooting. Gonna see a ton of DHOs with Scottie Barnes. Dick’s shooting ability is his calling card but he can offer much more on offense with his athletic cutting, rebounding, and playmaking feel. pic.twitter.com/CJ09Yq66ZR
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 23, 2023
Dick’s 507 points were the fourth-most by a freshman in Jayhawks history. Considering some of the names that have worn that uniform, Dick’s season is not to be taken lightly. The former math tutor’s 83 made 3-pointers set a new Kansas record for a freshman.
Some fun facts about Gradey Dick:
— Keerthika Uthayakumar (@keerthikau) June 23, 2023
- scored 507 points in 2022-23, 4th most by a freshman in Kansas history
- His 83 made threes were the most by a freshman in school history
- tutored middle school math in high school
Dick made 54% of his 3-pointers off the dribble, which led all of college basketball. Dick’s 40% success rate from 3-point range was also underselling his true ability, as he was flirting with a percentage just under 50% for most of the first half of the 2022-23 season.
Gradey Dick made 54% of his 3s off the dribble last season, the best in D-I (min. 30 att). pic.twitter.com/WlA85iB8CD
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 23, 2023
Not only was Kobe Bryant picked No. 13 overall, but the last nine NBA Drafts have produced three multiple-time All-Star guards and one soon-to-be All-Star in Tyler Herro. It remains to be seen if Dick and his bold suit will be at that level, but the Raptors will certainly give him every opportunity.
NBA guards taken at pick No. 13:
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) June 23, 2023
2014: Zach LaVine
2015: Devin Booker
2017: Donovan Mitchell
2019: Tyler Herro
2023: Gradey Dick#NBADraft | #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/MzabfxqMiE
Dick said that he wants “to go out win” in Toronto, adding, “I want nothing more than that.” The former Jayhawk noted that he plans to be himself on the court while leaning on his versatility on it. This sounds like everything Masai Ujiri wanted to hear from a prospective first-round draft pick.
Gradey Dick on what he’ll bring to the Raptors pic.twitter.com/sK4U2jf24T
— Sam DiGiovanni (@BySamDiGiovanni) June 23, 2023
The Raptors may not be a perfect roster, nor will adding Dick be a one-step solution that fixes all their problems. Still, it’s nice to see them attack a weakness by adding a vibrant young player that could be a high-end starter for years to come in the right scheme.