NBA DRAFT

June 22, 2023

Gradey Dick

Q. Talk about what you'll bring to Toronto.

GRADEY DICK: Just a player that is really going out there, giving all he's got. The competitiveness, it's the answer a lot of people say, but it's really true for me personally that I want to go out and win. I want nothing more than that. But personally just a versatile type player that takes pride in his shooting. That's just going out there.

Off the court, I like to have fun. So it's going to be a great time in Toronto.

Q. There's no easy way to say this. Can you explain that (suit)?

GRADEY DICK: It's Dorothy from Wizard of Oz. I'm from Kansas, she's from Kansas. I've got her little slippers in my coat. Just the colors, I guess.

Q. Did you have an inkling that Toronto was going to be the team?

GRADEY DICK: No, I didn't. That was one of my last workouts. I had a great time there. I was hoping, and it kind of worked out good with the colors. I'm beyond blessed. I'm happy.

Q. What do you have to say to all the fans in Toronto?

GRADEY DICK: Get ready because it's going to be a fun time, a fun, fun time. Paired with Scottie Barnes, you already know that's going to be -- I'm looking forward to it. Got to get out there, see Drake. I haven't seen him a bunch, but I'm looking forward to that.

Q. Are you hyped to become boys with Drake?

GRADEY DICK: Of course. That's the goal. I need him to wear my jersey. That's how I know -- that's my priority.

Q. Toronto, great city. Just was wondering if your agent talked to you about there are tax issues and of course you've got to hold on to all your receipts so you can get your various Canadian taxes back. I'm curious if your agent talked to you about the extra things that an American athlete has to keep in mind when they're playing in Canada?

GRADEY DICK: Not too much. The main focus through this pre-draft process was everything on the court. That's what it's always going to be for me, just keeping the main thing the main thing. But obviously there's stuff to talk about off the court. So later on the road, obviously. But as of now, I'm excited to get out there tomorrow. I can't really put into words how I'm really feeling about it all.

Q. What do you know about Coach Rajakovic? He ran the offense for the Grizzlies last season. And which of all of your teammates are you looking forward to playing with?

GRADEY DICK: Me and Coach, he was there for one of my last workouts a couple weeks ago. Got to meet him for the first time. Just a stand-up, sharp dude. I just got off FaceTime with him.

It's hard to explain. I'm still kind of on this adrenaline rush. But a coach that I look forward to playing with so, so, so much. Being in that system, and then another teammate I talked about earlier was Scottie Barnes. Talked to him on FaceTime and got to know him a little through our agency last year when he went through this process.

Everything just seems meant to be. So I'm excited.

Q. You said playing in the league was a dream for you. Now that it's kind of come into fruition and it's a reality, how do you feel about that, and what would you tell your younger self who always dreamt of this moment?

GRADEY DICK: Like I said, it's hard to put this all into words. But just the raw emotion, that everything comes out when I'm looking around the table seeing how my family is reacting, stuff like that. Tonight I'm going to take it for myself and my family to celebrate, celebrate this success.

But tomorrow just know that I'm going back out there, and this wasn't the end goal by any means. This is kind of the start to my real-life goals, and that's to be in the NBA and compete.

Q. What are some goals that you do have for your time in the league?

GRADEY DICK: I think the biggest one I'm just trying to focus on, it's more a broader one, but really just going out there and trying to make an instant impact. Go there and be a sponge and try to get all the information as a rookie and know that I have a ton to learn and a great coach to learn from and a great team to play with and learn from, also.