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Kansas basketball: Gradey Dick adjusting to NBA, struggles in Summer League debut

By Joshua Schulman

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Gradey Dick celebrates after being drafted 13th overall pick by the Toronto Raptors during the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 22: Gradey Dick celebrates after being drafted 13th overall pick by the Toronto Raptors during the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Former Kansas basketball star Gradey Dick is still getting acclimated to the NBA, as he had some first-game jitters in his Summer League debut.

Gradey Dick played his first game for an NBA team yesterday evening, and the lifelong Kansas Jayhawks fan had all eyes on him. The Toronto Raptors, who selected him 13th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, fell to the Chicago Bulls 83-74.

In Dick’s debut, he played a team-high 30 minutes and posted 10 points. He shot 3-for-12 from the field and 2-for-9 from three. Additionally, Dick grabbed four rebounds, assisted two baskets, and recorded three steals.

Considering his slash line with Kansas basketball was 44.2/40.3/85.4, it was a poor shooting night for the highly touted rookie.

Dick still made his mark felt in the game, allowing the Raptors to space the floor with the threat of his jump shot. And just like he did at Kansas, he was active on the offensive boards.

READ: Evaluating NBA Draft fits for Dick, Jalen Wilson

By no means was it the NBA entrance that he hoped for, but there were definitely positive takeaways from the contest. When you’re as well known as Dick playing against journeymen and second-rounders/undrafted players, you will be the focus of attention on the court.

Kansas State’s Markquis Nowell started alongside Dick, leading Toronto in scoring and being one of their very few bright spots from the night. The two attended a Blue Jays game together a week ago.

He wasn’t the only lottery pick to struggle in their NBA premiere, as first-overall pick Victor Wenbanyama performed even worse. It’s not the first time a player has had to shake off some nerves, so there will be growing pains as he adjusts to the NBA.

Next. Ochai Agbaji excelling for Utah Jazz in Summer League. dark

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