Former Kansas Jayhawks standout budding into a star in Year 2 of NBA career

A handful of former Kansas basketball players are playing surprisingly well to kick off the 2024-25 NBA campaign. These include Christian Braun, Kelly Oubre Jr., Ochai Agbaji, and Jalen Wilson, all of whom have taken on an extended role in the new season.

But nobody has improved as much as second-year guard Gradey Dick. The Toronto Raptors first-round pick last year has seen his statistics skyrocket, and they have made him a focal point in the offense. At just 20 years old, Dick is budding into a young star in Canada.

Gradey Dick transforming into a star for the Raptors

While star player Scottie Barnes misses time with an orbital fracture, Dick is filling in offensively during his absence. Everyone knew what he was capable of when he played at Kansas, but he was never this consistent with the Jayhawks. Through 10 games, Dick is averaging 19.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 steals on 45.8%/35.7%/88.2% shooting splits.

The Wichita native has scored 20+ points five times and 30+ points twice. He was always touted as an excellent 3-point shooter, but he has expanded his offensive game to the mid-range. Dick even gets to the free throw line 3.4 times per game, practically four times more than last year when he averaged 0.9 free throws attempted.

Dick spent one year with the Jayhawks and helped them earn a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The former 5-star recruit averaged 14.1 points and 5.1 rebounds in Lawrence, earning All-Big 12 Second Team honors. The Raptors later selected him No. 13 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Considering Joel Embiid has yet to appear in a game this season, Dick has arguably been the best ex-Jayhawk in the league. Although the Raptors are a middling team in the Eastern Conference, Dick will surely be part of the organization's long-term plans with his recent scoring surge.