toronto raptors gradey dick

Toronto Raptors draft pick Dick explains meaning behind his outrageous red suit

The Toronto Raptors made headlines when they took Gradey Dick with their lone selection in the 2023 NBA Draft on Thursday night.

But taken at 13th overall, it wasn't just the talent of the 6-foot-8 shooting guard that was drawing eyeballs when he was introduced to the Toronto fanbase.

Rocking a sequined Dolce & Gabbana suit, the University of Kansas product Dick explained the reason behind his suit that was inspired by perhaps his home state's most famous film.

"I'm from Kansas, Wizard of Oz, Dorothy and her little magical slippers… I kinda played that into the jacket," Dick told NBATV.

"That's exactly why I wore this. Thank you for noticing. [I've seen it] a couple times," Dick added while meeting the Toronto media when asked if the classic film inspired his jacket.

A Wichita native, Dick was awarded the 2022 National Gatorade Player of the Year in his senior season in high school.

But while his style was the reason for many a tweet on Thursday, at least one of his past mentors felt there was still room for improvement on Dick's draft night look.

"I was disappointed he didn't have the matching pants," Kansas coach Bill Self told the media afterwards.

A shooting guard who spent one season in the NCAA, Dick averaged 14.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game this year.

Though it's not clear exactly what role he'll fit into on the Raptors for next season, it seems like the incoming rookie is simply happy to have a shot to play professional basketball.

"When a team buys in selflessly, that just makes the season a lot more fun," Dick said in a question asked by Daily Hive on draft night. "Whatever role the coach gives me, I'm perfectly fine with."

Lead photo by

Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Sports & Play

Kyle Dubas offers subtle social media shot at Leafs in wake of Keefe firing

There's a secret forest boardwalk in Ontario

This small town in Ontario will transport you to Europe

Two new pickleball clubs opening in and around Toronto

This is what Canada's Wonderland looked like in the 1980s

Details emerge about Matthews' injury that kept Leafs star out of playoffs

Toronto will get a WNBA team for the 2026 season

Sheldon Keefe says Leafs 'deserve the Stanley Cup' in goodbye message to team