Gradey Dick says he 'hit the jackpot' being drafted to Toronto Raptors

Gradey Dick had a fitting way to summarize being taken in the lottery by the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night. The Raptors selected the former Kansas star 13th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, leading him to tell reporters he “hit the jackpot” with his new team.

Appearing at his introductory press conference, Dick was asked what stuck out most to him in the short time he has spent in Toronto so far. Above all else, it has been the interactions he’s had with fans.

“Just how beautiful the city is and the people around here,” he said. “Me and my parents have noticed just walking around the street how genuine people are around here. I’ve talked about a lot going into this team stuff and even before the draft that I wanted to be in an organization where I can find that good fit in it but also be on a winning culture with a fan base that’s not like anybody else, and I think I hit the jackpot coming here.

“I see that with my parents walking down the street. It’s just families coming up. The first thing they say is just, ‘welcome to Toronto. We’re glad to have you.’ I think that’s what we take to heart the most rather than a quick hi and bye.”

Gradey Dick comes to the Raptors after averaging 14.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game this past seasons with the Jayhawks. He showed a skilled shooting touch, making 40.1% of his shots from 3-point range.

Dick joins a Toronto squad that is coming off of a 41-41 record this past season. The Raptors finished ninth in the Eastern Conference and lost a play-in game to the Chicago Bulls. They parted ways with coach Nick Nurse at the end of the year, bringing on Darko Rajaković as his replacement.

Although they finished just short of making the playoffs, the Raptors have a solid core on their roster with Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes. Guard Fred Vanvleet, the team’s second-leading scorer last season, recently declined his player option and is currently a free agent, but could also come back.

With the addition of Dick to that group, Toronto will hope to make it back to the playoffs in 2023-24.

“Just really doing everything in my power to be prepared,” Dick said. “And that confidence comes from preparation, and just doing what’s worked for me so far, just being consistent in the gym and knowing my game personally and what works for me and knowing what I can bring to a team and just trying to come here as a rookie and be a sponge and soak up all the learning that I can from Coach Darko [Rajaković].”

Raptors fans can get their first look at Dick when the NBA Summer League tips off July 7 in Las Vegas.