Gradey Dick on Thursday accomplished something the Wicked Witch never could: He stole Dorothy’s ruby slippers (in spirit).
The 6-6, 204-pound NBA draft prospect out of Kansas capitalized on a key similarity between himself and the “Wizard of Oz” heroine ahead of Thursday’s opening round, donning an inspired ruby slipper-themed jacket and pair of shoes. (Dorothy, like Dick, is from the state of Kansas).
“So I’m from Kansas,” Dick said while reviewing his fit. “Dorothy has her little slippers, I’ve got my Dorothy suit.”
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Here’s the look Dick is rocking in the NBA draft green room at the Barclays Center:
Gradey Dick and Dorothy… two Kansas natives!#NBADraft presented by State Farm
⏰ 8 PM ET on ABC/ESPN pic.twitter.com/XU0PFMb0iR— NBA (@NBA) June 22, 2023
The jacket isn’t the only notable part of Dick’s look, even if it is, by far, the most noticeable. He also showed the bottom of his shoes, colored red in homage to Dorothy’s slippers. It’s certainly an iconic choice for any Kansas native and, if his intent was to become a storyline ahead of the draft, he succeeded.
The question now is where Dick will be taken in the 2023 NBA Draft. He’s projected by The Sporting News’ Kyle Irving to go 11th overall to the Magic. Unfortunately for him, the Emerald City (Seattle) hasn’t been on the table as an option since the Supersonics moved to Oklahoma City in 2008. The Thunder pick one spot after Dick’s projected landing spot, at 12th overall.
There’s only one guarantee for Dick, regardless of where he’s taken: He’s not in Kansas anymore.