Gradey Dick 2023 NBA Draft Scouting Report
- Height/Weight/Age: 6’7″/205 lbs/19 years old
- Primary Position: Wing
- Freshman Season Stats: 14.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.7 APG, 44.2% FG, 40.3% 3PT, 85.4% FT, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 1.3 TOPG
Strengths: Shooting, Court Vision, Motor
The first thing that will come up in any Gradey Dick discussion is his shooting. Even looking beyond the box score results and his 40.3% three-point efficiency during his freshman year, Dick has really smooth, repeatable form with a quick release. He is undoubtedly one of the top marksmen in the 2023 NBA Draft. The 19-year-old may not be quite at the level of a Jordan Hawkins when it comes to off-ball movement, but he is nonetheless dangerous coming off screens. He doesn’t need much space to get his shot off and remains efficient even when contested.
Gradey Dick is a phenomenal shooter. He’s shooting 44% from three and excels as a spot-up shooter. Very versatile as a shooter though. Can run off screens, movement shooting is great, phenomenal footwork, and a quick release. He’s a 40% or higher three-point shooter in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/29r9iH4D1n
— Global Scouting (@GlobalScouting_) January 24, 2023
Not only does Gradey Dick display excellent efficiency, he also has great shot versatility. He’s not a one-trick pony and is able to convert on different types of looks. The freshman shot 46.1% off the dribble, placing him in the 96th percentile.
Shooting Versatility is just as important as Shooting Efficiency when it comes to projecting a jumpshot.
— Mark Cheung (@MarkC_NBA) January 31, 2023
Here's how Gradey Dick's jump-shooting profile compares to three past great college shooters – AJ Griffin, Corey Kispert, and Desmond Bane. pic.twitter.com/93wmU15kAj
One aspect of Gradey Dick’s game that may be a tad underrated is his court vision. While not a playmaker in the truest sense of the word, he sees the floor really well and uses that vision to make smart passes within the flow of the offense or find the best space to pull up for a shot. He’s a good processor and makes good decisions. Dick’s connective passing naturally flows from his shooting gravity. He isn’t necessarily going to make the pass that directly leads to a basket, but he can keep the play going when under duress.
Finally, and I recognize this has largely become a cliché of white basketball players, Dick has an extremely high motor. He competes on both ends of the floor. NBA teams can trust that he will give 100% towards whatever assignment he is given. He doesn’t need to be the star of the show, but his high IQ and effort frequently put him in the middle of the action. It’s comparable to what made Christian Braun a contributor in Denver’s title run.
Weaknesses: Burst, Defense, Self-Creation
While I believe Gradey Dick is underrated as an athlete, it’s undeniable that he lacks burst. This makes it more difficult for Dick to beat defenders off the dribble and get to the rim. His first step isn’t quick enough to blow by anyone, and he doesn’t change directions quickly enough to be much more than a straight line driver. Dick’s lack of lateral quickness also creates limitations for what he can do defensively as he will struggle to consistently stay in front of his man.
Regarding defense specifically, Dick has a reputation of being an awful defender. I don’t think he’s terrible – his feel and pure effort go a long way towards keeping him from being that bad – but he’s certainly limited on that end. He isn’t particularly strong or quick, and his slender frame will lead to getting targeted a fair amount. Dick is still a solid team defender, but he projects to be an overall negative on defense. His effort will help him not be a complete liability, but he won’t be lockdown by any means.
Another weakness in Gradey Dick’s game is his self-creation ability. He has some creativity when it comes to getting open for shots (sidesteps, stepbacks, etc.), but doesn’t have a ton in his bag once chased off the three-point line. The handle isn’t tight enough for him to create offense when forced to the ball on the floor. This is one area where his court vision and feel will help him, but he’s simply not a creator.
Best NBA Fit: Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, Toronto Raptors
The Orlando Magic (No. 11 pick), Oklahoma City Thunder (No. 12 pick), and Toronto Raptors (No. 13 pick) are all in range to select Gradey Dick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Each of these three teams would benefit from having a catch-and-shoot threat like Dick on their roster. The Thunder and Raptors specifically would also be able to surround the Kansas product with the defensive personnel needed to offset his defensive flaws and maximize his value.
NBA Comparison: Kevin Huerter
Some people apparently don’t like Kevin Huerter as a comparison for Gradey Dick, but I think the subtleties are what make it a pretty good one. The shooting is the most obvious commonality, but there’s more to each player than meets the eye. Both are underrated athletes who put in effort on the defensive end despite limitations from their frame. Neither is a great self-creator, but they are functional connective passers with good court vision. I’ve seen Gordon Hayward thrown out as a comp for Gradey Dick, and I don’t mind that either.
Draft Projection: Late Lottery
Gradey Dick doesn’t have the higher-end outcomes to be one of the first names called in the 2023 NBA Draft. However, his elite shooting and high motor give him a high enough floor as a role player to be a late lottery pick. It ultimately depends on which team is most optimistic about his non-shooting traits. Look for him to be selected in the 10-15 range.
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