Gradey Reed Dick, born on November 20, 2003, is an American professional basketball player who currently showcases his talents for the Toronto Raptors in the National Basketball Association (NBA). While his last name has undoubtedly sparked curiosity and amusement among fans, Dick’s journey to the NBA is a testament to his hard work, skill, and dedication to the sport. This article delves into the career of Gradey Dick, exploring his early life, college achievements, NBA trajectory, skills, and the buzz surrounding him.
Early Life and High School Career
Born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, Dick’s passion for basketball ignited at a young age. He honed his skills at Wichita Collegiate School for his freshman and sophomore years, where he demonstrated his scoring prowess by averaging 20 points per game in his final year, leading the team to the state playoffs.
Recognizing the need for a more challenging environment to elevate his game, Dick transferred to Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas. This move proved pivotal in his development. At Sunrise Christian, he faced elite competition and further refined his skills under the guidance of experienced coaches. In his senior year, he averaged an impressive 18.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, contributing significantly to the team’s 24-1 record. His outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Gatorade National Player of the Year award in 2022, solidifying his status as one of the top high school prospects in the nation. He also participated in the McDonald’s All-American game and the Nike Hoop Summit in 2022, further showcasing his talent on a national stage.
College Career at Kansas
As a consensus five-star recruit, Dick had numerous college offers but ultimately committed to the University of Kansas, a program with a rich basketball tradition. His impact was immediate. In his debut game against Omaha, he showcased his versatility by scoring 23 points, grabbing two rebounds, and recording two steals and an assist.
Throughout his freshman season (2022-2023), Dick consistently demonstrated his scoring ability and all-around game. He averaged 14.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, proving to be a vital contributor to the Jayhawks’ success. His stellar freshman campaign earned him recognition on the Second Team All-Big 12, as well as being named to the Big 12 All-Newcomer and All-Freshman teams. He played a crucial role in Kansas securing a No. 1 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, where he continued to perform at a high level. Notably, in a game against Howard during the tournament, he recorded 19 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and three steals, highlighting his multifaceted skillset.
After an impressive freshman season, Dick declared for the 2023 NBA Draft, capitalizing on his momentum and potential.
NBA Career with the Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors selected Gradey Dick with the 13th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. This marked a significant milestone in his career, transitioning from a promising college talent to a professional player in one of the world’s premier basketball leagues.
Rookie Season (2023-2024)
Dick made his NBA Summer League debut on July 7, 2023, against the Chicago Bulls, where he contributed 10 points, four rebounds, and two assists. His rookie season saw him navigate the challenges of adapting to the NBA’s speed and physicality. He played 60 games, starting in 17 of them, and averaged 8.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 21.1 minutes per game. While adjusting to the professional level, Dick showcased his shooting potential, connecting on 36.5% of his three-point attempts. He also gained valuable experience playing for the Raptors 905, the Raptors’ G League affiliate, where he had opportunities to further develop his game. Notably, on March 27, 2024, he scored a then-career-high 23 points against the New York Knicks, followed by another career-high of 24 points against the Brooklyn Nets on April 10, 2024, providing glimpses of his offensive capabilities.
Sophomore Season (2024-2025)
Entering his second NBA season, Dick took on a more significant role with the Raptors. He started 54 games and saw an increase in his playing time and statistical output. By April 4, 2025, before being sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a lingering right knee injury, Dick was averaging 14.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 29.4 minutes per game. His shooting percentages stood at 41% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc. Throughout the season, he demonstrated growth as a scorer and playmaker, showcasing his ability to attack closeouts, operate in the mid-range, and make smart passes. He achieved several career-high scoring nights, including 25 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 26, 30 points against the Charlotte Hornets on October 30, 31 points against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 1, and a career-best 32 points against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 12, 2024. Despite his season being cut short due to injury, his sophomore campaign highlighted his potential as a versatile offensive threat.
As of April 10, 2025, Dick’s NBA career stat-line includes 1,287 points, 325 rebounds, 155 assists, and 82 steals across 114 games.
Skills and Playing Style
Gradey Dick is primarily a shooting guard and small forward known for his exceptional shooting ability. He is considered one of the purest shooters to come out of the 2023 draft class. His strengths include:
Three-Point Shooting: Dick possesses a smooth and accurate shooting stroke from beyond the arc, making him a valuable floor spacer and offensive weapon. He can shoot off the catch and off movement, adding complexity to his offensive game.
Off-Ball Movement: He is adept at moving without the ball, utilizing screens and cuts to get open looks. His constant movement keeps defenses engaged and creates opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Attacking Closeouts: As defenses overplay his three-point shot, Dick has shown the ability to attack closeouts effectively, driving to the basket and either finishing or finding open teammates. He has shown improvement in his ability to finish around the rim and draw fouls.
Mid-Range Game: In his sophomore season, Dick demonstrated a growing comfort and efficiency in the mid-range, showcasing pull-up jumpers and floaters. This development adds another dimension to his scoring arsenal.
Passing and Playmaking: While primarily known for his scoring, Dick has displayed a good feel for passing and has the potential to develop further as a playmaker, making reads on the catch and when attacking the basket.
Defensive Improvement: While defense was an area of focus for improvement, Dick showed promising signs in his second season, becoming more active in the passing lanes and demonstrating solid on-ball defensive stands. His size and athleticism provide the foundation for continued growth on the defensive end.
Social Media Presence and Endorsements
Beyond the court, Gradey Dick has cultivated a significant social media presence. His engaging personality and interactions with fans have made him a popular figure online. He has hundreds of thousands of followers across various platforms, including TikTok (@gradeydick), Instagram (@gradey), and X (Twitter) (@gradey_dick).
Dick has also secured endorsement deals, recognizing his marketability and potential. He has a multi-year footwear and apparel deal with Adidas, signed in July 2023. In September 2023, he partnered with GURU Organic Energy Corp. as a brand ambassador, becoming the company’s first collaboration with a professional basketball athlete. As part of this partnership, Dick also acquired shares in GURU and will receive options in the company. Additionally, he co-hosts a podcast on Bleacher Report called “Welcome Party,” further extending his reach and engagement with fans. While specific details of other endorsements remain largely for paid subscribers on platforms like AthleteAgent.com, it is evident that Dick’s marketability is on the rise.
Family and Background
Gradey Dick comes from an athletic family. His mother, Carmen Dick, played college basketball for Iowa State before turning professional. He has three older siblings: two brothers, Brodey and Riley, and a sister, Kelsey. His upbringing in a sports-oriented family likely played a significant role in shaping his athletic pursuits and work ethic. Dick is also openly Christian and has spoken about the importance of his faith in his life.
Future Potential and Impact on Basketball
Despite his sophomore season being cut short due to injury, Gradey Dick has shown significant promise as a versatile player with a high offensive ceiling. His development as more than just a three-point shooter, with improvements in his ability to attack the basket, operate in the mid-range, and make plays for others, suggests a bright future in the NBA.
His offensive versatility has already begun to impact the Toronto Raptors. His ability to space the floor, move effectively without the ball, and attack defenses in multiple ways makes him a difficult player to guard. As he continues to develop his passing and defensive skills, he has the potential to become a more complete and impactful player for the Raptors.
Looking ahead, Dick’s focus will likely be on recovering fully from his knee injury and continuing to refine his all-around game. His work ethic, coachability, and the progress he has shown in his first two seasons indicate a strong trajectory for future success in the NBA. While his name might continue to be a source of amusement, Gradey Dick’s skills and potential are no laughing matter, and he is poised to make a significant mark on the league in the years to come.
FAQs
Who is Gradey Dick?
Gradey Dick is a professional basketball player from Wichita, Kansas, currently playing as a guard/forward for the Toronto Raptors in the NBA. Born on November 20, 2003, he gained national attention during his college career at the University of Kansas, where he set the school’s freshman record for three-pointers made in a season.
What is Gradey Dick’s height and weight?
Gradey Dick stands at 6 feet 6 inches tall (1.98 meters) and weighs approximately 200 pounds (91 kilograms).
What position does Gradey Dick play?
He primarily plays as a shooting guard or small forward, showcasing versatility on the wing.
When was Gradey Dick drafted into the NBA?
Gradey Dick was selected 13th overall in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors.
How did Gradey Dick perform in college?
During his freshman year at the University of Kansas (2022–23), Gradey averaged 14.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. He shot 44.2% from the field and 40.3% from three-point range, earning All-Big 12 and Big 12 All-Freshman honors.
What are Gradey Dick’s NBA statistics?
2023–24 (Rookie Season): Averaged 8.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 60 games, with a shooting percentage of 42.5% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range.
2024–25 (Sophomore Season): Improved to 14.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game over 54 games, shooting 41.0% from the field.
Has Gradey Dick received any awards or recognitions?
Yes, in 2025, Gradey was selected to participate in the NBA Rising Stars game during All-Star Weekend, highlighting his status as one of the league’s promising young talents.
What is Gradey Dick’s background before college?
Gradey attended Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas, where he was a McDonald’s All-American and the 2022 Gatorade National Player of the Year.
What is Gradey Dick’s jersey number?
He wears jersey number 1 for the Toronto Raptors.
Is Gradey Dick active on social media?
Yes, Gradey maintains an active presence on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he shares insights into his professional and personal life.
To conclude
Gradey Dick’s journey from a standout high school player in Kansas to a rising NBA star with the Toronto Raptors is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and adaptability. His impressive college career at the University of Kansas laid a solid foundation, where he not only set records but also showcased his potential to excel at the professional level.
Transitioning into the NBA, Gradey faced the typical challenges of a rookie season but demonstrated resilience and growth. His sophomore season has been marked by significant improvements in scoring, shooting efficiency, and overall gameplay, earning him recognition in events like the NBA Rising Stars game.
Beyond the court, Gradey’s engaging personality and active social media presence have endeared him to fans, making him not just a player to watch for his athletic prowess but also for his charisma and relatability.
As he continues to develop and refine his skills, Gradey Dick is poised to become a key contributor to the Raptors and a notable figure in the NBA landscape. His trajectory suggests a promising future, and fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing his progress in the coming seasons.
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