NBA Future Watch: Gradey Dick Basketball Cards, Toronto Raptors – Gradey Dick brings one of the most critical elements in today’s game, sharpshooting, to the NBA. The Kansas native and son of an Iowa State player became one of the top homegrown stars to attend Kansas.
A two-time Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year, Dick posted 17.9 PPG and 5.2 RPG behind .513 FG% and .467 3% as a senior. His team placed second at the Geico High School National Championship. He competed on the gold medal-winning Team USA at the 2021 U-18 3-on-3 World Cup. Additionally, he was a McDonalds’ All-American and Nike Hoops Summit invitee. Unsurprisingly, Dick attained five-star recruit status.
At Kansas, Dick carved out a place in a crowded rotation quicker than most Jayhawks have done. He started every game and placed second on the team with 14.1 PPG. Dick had 11 Top 10 finishes in various categories all-time among Kansas freshmen. The talented big guard flashed numbers that put his production in perspective: 5.1 RPG, 1.4 SPG, .403 3% and .854 FT%. Dick’s three-point prowess marked him an immediate pro prospect. He landed in Toronto with the 13th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
With a 6’8” frame that is not maximized by his wingspan, Dick will be challenged to add to his 205 pounds for defensive purposes. Fortunately, the task seems achievable with his frame. Finishing in traffic has not always been a strength. However, Dick was a great free throw shooter on only 2.5 FTA in college. Hence, bulling his way to the rim and drawing fouls should be a great shortcut to broadening offensive contributions.
Ballhandling is a work in progress, but Dick is unselfish looking for the open man as much as he looks to shoot. This will add to his all-around value. With an enviable ability to move without the ball, Dick can hunt opportunities relentlessly and is money from the corners. In a league that arguably considers his core strength his most important trait, Dick can achieve stardom from his ability to hit big shots.
NBA Future Watch: Gradey Dick Basketball Cards, Toronto Raptors – More Resources
- Beckett Card Catalog
- NBA.com Player Profile
- 2023 Panini Prizm Draft Picks Collegiate Basketball Cards Checklist
NBA Future Watch: Gradey Dick Basketball Cards, Toronto Raptors – Image Gallery
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