What Gradey Dick leaving for the NBA means for Kansas basketball

In a highly expected move, Gradey Dick officially declared for the 2023 NBA Draft on Friday afternoon.

Joining Joel Embiid, Andrew Wiggins, Josh Jackson, and others, Gradey Dick will go down as yet another one-and-done with the Kansas basketball program. The kid who grew up a Jayhawk fan is now able to pursue his dream of being an NBA player.

It is something that all Kansas fans have been expecting since the team was bounced from March Madness two weeks ago. Dick had a tremendous first season with Kansas, averaging 14.1 points and breaking the freshman record for threes made in a single season.

KUsports.com beat writer Matt Tait reported earlier in March that there was a 25 to 30 percent chance that Dick would return to Kansas. However, that option is now off the table.

Dick is the perfect pro prospect for today’s NBA. He stands at 6’8″, has long arms, and is arguably the purest shooter in this year’s class. The 19-year-old will have plenty of time to develop when he gets to the league.

His farewells to Jayhawk nation can be found here:

Although he has the ability to test the waters and return to KU, Dick will not need to exercise that option. Every single NBA mock draft has him taken as a lottery pick, so there is no need for Dick to risk losing draft stock by returning for a sophomore year.

Now that his departure is official, Bill Self can look ahead to next year’s roster. Kansas will lose considerable amounts of shooting, as Dick sunk 33 percent of the Jayhawks’ three-pointers this past season. The coaching staff must find somebody who can replicate the offensive threat that Dick posed to opposing defenses.

Next year’s roster continues to thin, but it should bulk back up as Self treks the transfer portal. This move was expected to occur, so there should be no panic from Jayhawk fans. We all love Gradey for the joy he gave us this year, and we wish him the best of luck in the NBA.