Top Performance Series: Gradey Dick
The idea behind the top performance series is to go back and watch the best, or one of the best, box score games of each prospect's season to see how they looked when they were performing at their highest individual level and what that might show us about their ceiling as a prospect.
Gradey Dick has a very solid claim for the best 3-point shooter in the entire 2023 NBA Draft but also combines that with good size for a wing and an overall feel for the game.
He put that knock down shooting on display in his game versus Oklahoma State but what else did he show that may give him a higher ceiling than some may think?
Offense
We still must start with that shot making which is not just about his ability to put the ball in the basket but do it in a variety of ways. In this game alone he had an insane corner catch-and-shot make that was aided by his height, high release and no dip shooting form before also connecting on attempts off a screen and in transition.
The true offensive ceiling will come from Dick being able to leverage that shooting to create opportunities to score the ball in other ways.
Not only can the 6-foot-8 wing knock down 3-point attempts off the bounce but also looks very fluid attacking a closeout into a one-two dribble pull up jump shot. The question is how much further the 19-year-old can improve his finishing around the rim.
This was an area of weakness coming out of Sunrise Christian Academy, even in transition, but definitely improved during his one year in Lawrence and he showcased some nice transition finishes in traffic during this game. If Dick were able to grow that around the rim scoring he would have himself an incredible offensive game when you factor in the connective tissue in which he provides an offensive game plan.
While not a true creator, he is a player that will use his high level feel for the game to keep the ball moving and get it where it needs to go when it needs to go there.
Defense
While the offensive game of Kansas freshman will almost always get its due attention, the defensive end of the court is another story. There seems to be the idea that Dick is an outright defender but when really watching him that would lean to be a little harsh.
Yes, he has his downfalls and areas for growth. He is not the most fleet of foot which will hinder him in being some sort of true lock down isolation defender. He also could stand to use his size, feel and surprising athleticism to be more impactful on the defensive glass.
With that said, it is not a stretch to see how he could provide value in an all around defensive scheme where his length and basketball awareness were to be properly utilized.
The consistency of his off the ball engagement has to be towards the top end of the class which is often highlighted by his stunting at drivers and making proper rotations.
It would be nice to project Dick as a plus weak side or low man rim protector but that would be a stretch based on the current data. Where he does offer some upside as a defensive playmaker is with steals and deflections coming from really nice anticipation.
Ceiling
Elite floor spacer with connective tissue and valuable team/scheme defender.
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