Is Gradey Dick attending the NBA Draft Combine?

In March, The Ringer’s draft analyst Kevin O’Connor put out an updated version of his 2023 Mock Draft that projected the New Orleans Pelicans to select Kansas Jayhawks forward Gradey Dick.

Here is a snippet of what O’Connor had to say about the selection at the time:

"“After a season that began with so much promise, has the tanking begun in New Orleans? Dick would provide the type of shooting the core Pelicans players lack. But what they really need is a star who can stay healthy.”"

Dick has impressed draft evaluators with his marksmanship, size, ability to put the ball on the floor to drive closeouts, and positional awareness on defense. He projects to be the kind of plug-and-play player that portends well next to high-usage stars like Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram.

With this in mind, will fans/Pelicans’ scouts have the chance to see some of what he can do this week at the 2023 NBA Draft Combine?

Yes, yes, they will. Fortunately for those with a vested interest in the team and/or Dick’s potential as a prospect, the sharpshooting forward is present at the combine this week.

That is great news, but the problem here is he may not be available when the Pelicans select if they end up drawing the 14th overall pick in the draft lottery.

Dick’s stock has been rising in the months since O’Connor made his proclamation about his potential fit with New Orleans. O’Connor now has Dick ranked twelfth on his big board.

And he’s not the only one who is high on him. ESPN has Dick ranked tenth among available prospects, Tankathon has him there too, and The Athletic has him at twelfth like O’Connor.

Still, crazier things have happened in the draft than a prospect expected to go somewhere between ten through twelve being available at the 14th spot. There’s a solid chance that when New Orleans is up to bat in the 2023 NBA Draft, Dick will still be waiting to receive a phone call. So, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to keep an eye on him this next week to see what he’s all about.