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Former Kansas Jayhawks Star Gradey Dick Leads Raptors Past Celtics

Gradey Dick is making a case for more playing time in his second season with Toronto

Rich Cirminiello

Oct 15, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Gradey Dick (1) drives to the net against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
Oct 15, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Gradey Dick (1) drives to the net against Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images / Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
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Toronto Raptors' swingman Gradey Dick is showing signs he's ready to make a big leap forward in his second season in the NBA.

The Wichita native and former Kansas Jayhawks star poured in 27 points and had six boards and two steals in Toronto's 119-118 preseason win over the Boston Celtics Tuesday night.

Dick was 12-of-21 shooting, which included more than his usual number of drives to the basket, an indicator that he has expanded his offensive repertoire during the offseason.

Dick is best known for his sniper-like range and accuracy, so he'll be even tougher to guard if he needs to be defended off the dribble this season. It's an ongoing work in progress, but his first step is clearly quicker, the result of offseason training and added strength.

As a rookie first round pick of the Raptors last season, Dick started 17 games and averaged 8.5 points per game. If his preseason development is any indication of what's coming, he's about to see a sharp increase in both minutes and overall production in Year 2.

The Raptors kick off the 2024-25 regular season on Oct. 23 with a visit from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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Rich Cirminiello
RICH CIRMINIELLO

I've been the VP of College Awards for the Maxwell Football Club since 2008. I oversee and manage all aspects of the Maxwell Award (CFB Player of the Year), Bednarik Award (Defensive POY) and Munger Award (CFB Coach of the Year), including creating watch lists, steering the selection committee and choosing players of the week. I appear weekly on SportsGrid TV to discuss college football, both as a guest and a co-host of various live shows. I oversee and manage two additional college awards, outside the purview of the Maxwell Football Club - former Seattle Seahawk RB Shaun Alexander's Freshman of the Year Award & the Buddy Teevens Award, which was created by Peyton Manning, Archie Manning and Omaha Productions in honor of the late Dartmouth coach. I'm contracted out each May by Phil Steele to help edit the magazine and write select articles leading up to the publication of his annual College Football Preview in June.

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