#10 Gradey Dick
Height: 6’8
Weight: 205
School: Kansas
Position: SG/SF
Class: Freshman
Class: Freshman
WHO
Although Gradey Dick entered high school at Wichita Collegiate School (KS), Dick’s career kicked off at Sunrise Christian, where he dominated Kansas defenses alongside Mark Mitchell, Scotty Middleton, and Bobi Klintman. He was selected for the McDonald’s All-American Game and Nike Hoop Summit’s rosters. Dick was also named the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year in 2022.
Dick committed to Kansas, choosing the Jayhawks over colleges like Baylor, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Alabama, and more. The Wichita-born wing didn’t hesitate to immediately make an impact on Kansas’ basketball team, earning the starting small forward spot and nabbing key minutes as a true freshman.
Under pressure, Dick excelled, passing test after test with flying colors. He boasted 44-40-85 shooting splits while going off regularly for big shooting performances. He proved himself to be a great rebounder, a constant presence on defense, a decent playmaker, and a gritty guard unafraid to do all the dirty work. He averaged 14.1 points per game, 5.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.4 steals in around 33 minutes per game.
We all know about Dick’s great shooting; he’s arguably the best in the draft; but we don’t talk about Dick’s playmaking that separates him from being a mediocre role player. His passing is elite, and his ability to attack the paint helps bend and twist the defenses, resulting in easy looks for his teammates. He’s a constant threat on offense and the fact that he reads the offense well and is also a strong finisher in the paint means that he’s definitely a talent that fans should appreciate.
His defense remains questionable thanks to his thin, wiry frame. Teams exploited Dick’s slow-footedness in college, and he made a lot of missteps when he had to track someone off the ball. He was targeted not only on the court, but also on social media. It’s definitely a pressing issue that can’t be ignored, but Dick’s offensive prowess is too enticing to pass on.
WHY
WHY
In a game revolutionized by three-point shooting, Dick is a GM’s dream. He’s proven when it comes to shooting the three-ball, whether it’s on the move, from the spot, moving off screens, or wherever. He’s also athletic and can finish strong around the rim. The biggest question is his defense, as he moves a little too solidly and slowly to compete with the shifty guards and forwards in the NBA.
Gradey Dick while likely be a mid-lottery pick. The Jazz and Thunder are enthusiastic on taking him. Dick can provide quality minutes off the bench as a marksman who can give the team momentum, but he could also be a Rookie of the Year contender if things go his way. He’s definitely an intriguing prospect to watch going into the 2023-24 NBA season.
PRO SCOUT QUOTES
PRO SCOUT QUOTES
In case you haven’t picked up on it — Gradey Dick, a good shooter. It’s hard to overstate the value of such an efficient volume shooter in today’s game. And he’s not some simple spot-up guy either. Dick can transition from running full-speed off a screen into his jumper with rare effectiveness. He also has some side steps and step-backs in his bag.
Christopher Kline, FanSided
We all know what Gradey is known for and what main trait he brings to the table: shooting. At 6’8”, Dick has pretty quick mechanics that are aided by a consistent ability to shoot without dipping the ball below his waist, or even his chest. That quickness and smooth form combo make him a threat to shoot over the top of closeouts, to catch bad passes and get into a quality shot, and be a legitimate spot-up threat.
Adam Spinella, The Box And One
He brings a ton of energy on the defensive end and on the glass, willing to make winning plays on both ends of the floor. He has the height and length to develop into a versatile 3-and-D prospect, he's just not there yet.
Kyle Irving, SportingNews
Dick does basically everything a team wants on offense from its wing players (save for perhaps high-level passing). He shoots well, is a willing passer and moves well off ball. The team that drafts him will be all the better for it on offense. And the impact will likely be immediate. Dick has All-Rookie potential written all over him with his potential Day 1 impact.
Jason S. Walker, SLCDunk
Dick is a smart team defender that understands schemes and rotations. He’s good at taking charges and often finds himself in the right spot on the defensive end. He’s not an elite individual defender at the point of attack, but he does have good size and bounce which should be somewhat helpful as he proves himself at the NBA level.
Draft Digest Staff, SI.com
