Tag: Gradey Dick

The Raptors’ introduction for Gradey Dick’s first start sounded very NSFW but it actually wasn’t

Get your mind out of the gutter, folks!

There probably weren’t a ton of laughs to go around for Raptors fans on Wednesday after Damian Lillard and the Bucks completely dismantled Toronto.

But, hey! Look on the bright sight, folks! At least Gradey Dick got the first start of his career. That’s a huge plus.

Oh, you thought it was because he played well? No, that’s not it. He actually didn’t play well at all. He only shot 2-10 on the night and was a -29. He didn’t have a great game.

That’s fine, though! Because he did give us a good laugh. His actual introduction was hilarious.

The PA announcer faked us all out with an NSFW intro that was actually pretty SFW but sounded like it was definitely NSFW depending on where your mind went with it.

WARNING: There is some NSFW language in this tweet

It turns out the announcer didn’t say what you thought he said! Get your mind out of the gutter. He actually says “big BIG energy” here.

GOT HEEEEM. That’s definitely an intentional fakeout from the Raptors’ PA announcer. Very well played. You’ve got to respect it.

The biggest takeaway here is that we need more Gradey Dick starts. This was fun.

10 NBA rookies make predictions for their first game before the season begins

There are so many great answers from this NBA rookie class.

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After completing their first offseason, a new class of NBA rookies are ready to step on the court to make their professional debuts.

While nothing can compare with the special moment of hearing their name called in the NBA Draft, it is assuredly a surreal feeling to have your lifelong dreams realized on the hardwood.

We spoke to 10 rookies from the 2023 draft class about all of the emotions they anticipate feeling once they officially begin their professional careers as NBA athletes.

Here is what each prospect said about what they expect when they play on the parquet courts in front of thousands of fans.

These interviews have been condensed and edited for clarity.

Raptors’ Darko Rajakovic outlines role for rookie Gradey Dick

Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic suggested rookie Gradey Dick may be out of the rotation to start the season.

After playing three preseason games, Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic suggested rookie Gradey Dick might be out of the rotation to start the season.

With one more preseason game to play, Dick is averaging 5.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and one assist on 30% shooting from 3-point range. He is logging just under 16 minutes per game in those appearances and recorded a preseason-high seven points on Tuesday.

The 13th pick has had some strong moments, from his shooting to his ability to move and cut on the court. He has brought energy and effort to each game, and has made several 50-50 plays. But Rajakovic believes he has more to prove, according to Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports.

The answer provided by Rajakovic could hint Dick may not be used a lot to begin the regular season. The team could even send him to the G League at some point if playing time is still at a premium to get him consistent minutes.

Dick was an impact player last year at Kansas, and he was a valued addition by the Raptors in the draft. With some more practice and development, he should have the opportunity to showcase those traits in Toronto.

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Raptors’ Gradey Dick drawing trade interest from Trail Blazers in Damian Lillard talks

Dick hasn’t yet suited up in the NBA but the 13th pick already finds his name mentioned in some trade rumors.

Toronto Raptors rookie Gradey Dick hasn’t yet suited up in the NBA but the 13th pick already finds his name mentioned in some trade rumors involving Damian Lillard.

Of course, Lillard requested a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers in July. He informed the organization that his preferred destination would be the Miami Heat but the two sides have yet to seriously engage in trade conversations.

With training camp set to begin next week, and no deal imminent between Portland and Miami, the Toronto Raptors have emerged as the front-runners to land Lillard, according to Marc J. Spears of ESPN.

A Raptors offer could include a package featuring players from a roster that includes two-time NBA All-Star Pascal Siakam, 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes, forward O.G. Anunoby — who is eligible for a contract extension — and rookie sharpshooter Gradey Dick. The Blazers are intrigued about adding a young 6-foot-8 sharpshooter in Dick, a source said.

The expectation is that Lillard will be traded prior to Monday, which is when the three teams in the mix host their media days; training camp will start the next day. However, if Lillard remains with the Trail Blazers, he is expected to be a full participant in practice.

In addition to the Heat and Raptors, the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers are among the teams that have also expressed interest in Lillard. In any case, the Trail Blazers do not appear to be set on honoring Lillard’s request to be moved to Miami.

With less than a week to go until teams convene for media day, it appears as though Lillard could soon have a new team in the NBA. The storyline has dominated headlines throughout the offseason and it could finally have a conclusion this week.

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NBA 2K24: Ratings revealed for the first round of the 2023 NBA draft

The official player ratings and other features for NBA 2K24 have been unveiled as the popular video game hit stores on Friday.

The official player ratings and other features for NBA 2K24 have been unveiled as the popular video game hit stores on Friday across all platforms around the world.

The latest installment of NBA 2K features three distinct editions, each honoring Kobe Bryant. The game, for the first time, also allows for crossplay, meaning users on different gaming consoles can still play with their friends online.

In addition to many of the new features and updates unveiled in the game, fans are equally as excited to see the initial player ratings. Of course, with a new group of players set to enter the league, many are curious to see how the rookie class would be graded.

The franchise, led by marketing director Ronnie 2K, previously revealed the ratings for several first-rounders this year. With the game officially available for purchase around the world, the grades for each rookie have been unveiled.

Here are the ratings for the first round of the 2023 NBA draft.

Raptors’ Gradey Dick wants to take business advice from Drake

The 13th pick recently expressed his desire to talk with Drake about a variety of topics, including finance.

When the Toronto Raptors drafted Gradey Dick with the 13th pick, the former Kansas standout was instantly greeted by team global ambassador Drake.

The Grammy-award-winning artist followed Dick on Instagram on draft night and even posted a very NSFW meme about the Raptors’ selection. He has embraced the 19-year-old with open arms and welcomed him to the franchise.

Dick now wants to sit down and chat with him.

He recently expressed his desire to talk with Drake about a variety of topics, including finance. Drake has established himself as one of the most marketable individuals in the world and would be a great person to talk to for business advice.

“He’s on tour right now, so I haven’t got to place a face, but when (Drake’s) back, we might meet up and just talk for the first time,” Dick told Front Office Sports. “I’m excited to meet him and pick (his) brain. He has a background with all this financial stuff.”

Drake brought in an estimated $49 million in 2020 and has endorsement deals with Apple Music, Burger, Nike and Sprite among others, so he would certainly have plenty of advice to offer Dick as he begins his career.

Dick recently signed an endorsement deal with Adidas and is one of two first-year players to sign with the Three Stripes (Jalen Hood-Schifino). He has also signed with Chipotle and Philips Norelco and is hopeful to partner with additional brands.

The Raptors draftee debuted in the NBA Summer League, averaging 16 points, six rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals on 40% shooting from the field in four games. He scored in double figures in each game and produced two 20-point games.

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Q&A: Raptors rookie Gradey Dick: ‘I just try to be myself in everything that I do. It’s goofy.’

For The Win caught up with Raptors rookie Gradey Dick.

NEW YORK — Toronto Raptors rookie Gradey Dick is one of the most interesting rookies in the league.

The former McDonald’s All-American and Gatorade National Player of the Year (we spoke to him after he won the award) was a standout freshman at Kansas last season, earning Big 12 All-Freshman. The 19-year-old forward was then selected by the Raptors at No. 13 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.

While he is known for his sharpshooting off the court, he is also an animal lover who does a shockingly good impression of the Disney character Donald Duck.

He performs dance routines and backflips on his TikTok, he is followed by Drake on Instagram and he has a personality as vibrant as the suit he wore on draft night.

Before the 2023 NBA Draft, For The Win met up with Dick, who shared his thoughts about his transition to the NBA.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. Read more of our pre-draft interviews with NBA prospects.

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Gradey Dick, Jalen Hood-Schifino sign endorsement deals with Adidas

Dick and Hood-Schifino on Monday signed footwear and apparel endorsement contracts with Adidas.

Toronto Raptors forward Gradey Dick and Los Angeles Lakers guard Jalen Hood-Schifino on Monday signed footwear and apparel endorsement deals with Adidas, the apparel company announced.

Dick and Hood-Schifino are the first two players from the 2023 NBA draft class to sign with the company. They join a talented roster of players, which includes James Harden, Candace Parker, Damian Lillard, Alysha Clark, Jalen Green and Kahleah Copper among others.

They were previously signed to the Three Stripes as part of their first class of NIL athletes in December 2022 in the NCAA. The two are expected to star in Adidas’ campaign creative for the third installment of their premium lifestyle line.

Dick, the 13th pick, debuted with the Raptors in the NBA Summer League, averaging 16 points, six rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals on 40% shooting from the field in four games. He scored in double figures in each game and produced two 20-point games.

Hood-Schifino posted averages of 13.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals in six games between the California Classic and Las Vegas. The 17th pick scored at least 15 points four times, including a summer league-high 20 points on July 5.

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New Raptor Gradey Dick was so delighted Drake followed him on Instagram

You’d be thrilled too.

What a night for Kansas product Gradey Dick.

He was drafted 13th overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2023 NBA Draft on Thursday, a home run of a pick for the Canadian franchise. He was the center of attention for his red, sparkly draft outfit, and became a meme because of it.

And then, because he’s a Raptor now, he got a follow on Instagram from none other than Drake, the team’s global ambassador and most famous fan.

I love Dick’s reaction here. It’s a combo of excitement and how surreal it is, which must be what it’s like for most draft picks on that night.

A Gradey Dick screenshot from the NBA Draft became a hilarious meme with figure-skating jokes

So many memes came out of Gradey Dick’s look for the draft..

It was quite the evening in New York City for former Kansas men’s basketball star Gradey Dick, as the shooting guard was taken at No. 13 overall in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft. The native Kansan will be heading to the Toronto Raptors to get his professional career underway.

He also had the snazziest jacket of the evening, donning a very, VERY sparkly red jacket and turtleneck combo that was reminiscent of if The Wizard of Oz took place in a 70s disco.

The look was certainly iconic.

As Dick’s outfit glimmered in Brooklyn, some folks thought the look seemed familiar, comparing it to the world of competitive figure skating and more.

Check out the memes:

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