Raptors select guard Gradey Dick 13th overall in NBA 2023 draft

Jun 24, 2023 | Sports

By Nicole Fernandes

Former University of Kansas star guard Gradey Dick wore a ruby-red blazer embellished with sequins in homage of Dorothy’s slippers in The Wizard of Oz.

But there’s no that Dick is no longer in Kansas as the Toronto Raptors chose him 13th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. His Jayhawks’ stats indicate what he’ll bring to the Toronto court.

Dick set the KU freshman record for three-point field goals with 83. He was the second Kansas player to win the Gatorade Player of the Year, Andrew Wiggins was the other. And Dick was second on the team in scoring with a 14.1 points per game.

Humber College health sciences student Mark Taylor, an avid Raptors fan, said he expects Dick, of Wichita, Kan., to do well in the big league.

“He’s a good player and should fit into the system nicely and will be an asset for the Raptors,” he said.

This is the third time Toronto in its 30-year history it had the lottery selection.

Last season the Raptors failed to make the playoffs for the second time in four years after losing a one-game playoff with the Chicago Bulls.

Marquis Grandinson, also studying in Humber College’s Health Sciences and Wellness program, said he’s ecstatic over the draft selection.

“He’s one of the best shooters in the draft this year, plays a good perimeter and is very well-rounded,“ he said while watching highlights of the draft with Taylor on a phone.

“If we lose (Fred) Van Vleet on the free agency we then definitely need someone to step in for some perimeter shooting,” Grandinson said.

Jayden Rooyakkers, a Humber student with the Faculty of Business, said the Raptors added what they needed in an efficient shooter and can’t wait for him to start playing.

Matt Campbell a bank manager at TD Canada said the Raptors definitely know what they’re doing, they analyze and fill their team with just the right players.

Liam Anderson, a recent graduate from Sheridan College, was excited to speak about his “idol.”

“I’ve been following Gradey Dick’s career ever since I could remember, and I couldn’t be happier that he’s a Raptor now the other teams will regret passing on him,” he said.

Toronto resident Amelia Evans said Dick has immense potential to excel and she can’t wait to see him dominate in Toronto.