Gradey Dick shares key to meshing with Raptors as a rookie

Joining the NBA isn’t an easy process. College athletes go from being whales in a pond to minnows in an ocean. Toronto Raptors rookie Gradey Dick discussed the transition process during a press conference on Monday.

“Just really doing everything in my power to be prepared. 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],” Dick said.

Dick has a leg up on most rookies. The Raptors selected the Kansas standout with the No. 13 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Dick averaged 14.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in his lone season as a Jayhawk. As the team’s second-leading scorer, he shot 44.2% from the field and shot an incredible 40.3% from deep.

Now, Dick is ready to provide his talents to his new home.

“I’m building off my teammates, because I’ll be one of the younger dudes on the team. So it’s, it’s one of those things where I can come in and learn a ton quick,” Dick said.

The 19-year-old will be the youngest player on the Raptors. Nonetheless, that doesn’t mean he won’t make significant contributions. Toronto connected on just 33.5% of its attempts from beyond the arc last season. Dick’s sharpshooting abilities will immediately benefit the team.

Moreover, the Raptors have the perfect cast to produce open shots for Dick. With lengthy slashers such as Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes, Dick will find more open space than he ever saw on the court at Kansas.

The 6-foot-8 marksman is excited to share the hardwood with Siakam.

“He can do so many different things on the court with his size and length and, you know, kind of combining my shooting and kind of me moving around the floor like that — could be a definitely deadly duo type thing,” Dick said. “When we’re all together here working out competing against each other, we’re going to find what kind of works for us and how we can kind of utilize that in games.”

Toronto diehards can catch their first glimpse of the Raptors rookie during the NBA Summer League. The 11-day competition featuring all 30 NBA teams begins July 7 in Las Vegas.