Gradey Dick Explains Why He Swapped Jerseys With Anthony Black

Originally posted on Raptors Nation | By Luca Rosano | Last updated 3/20/24

Gradey Dick went viral after he swapped jerseys with Anthony Black on March 17.

After the Orlando Magic defeated the Toronto Raptors, the rookies got together and swapped their jerseys for a photo that instantly went viral on social media.

Dick talked about taking the photo with Black following practice via Sports Illustrated’s Aaron Rose:

“That’s my guy. I’ve been playing with him since or against him and with him around middle school days. So that’s been my guy for a long time, and you know guys jersey swap for their boys. So, that’s my friend.”

In the video below Black and Dick are seen talking about the jersey swap. It seems like Dick was reluctant to take the photo at first but then he decided to do it anyway. Both players aligned themselves side by side with Dick holding Black’s jersey on the left and Black holding Dick’s jersey on the right:

Gradey Dick and Anthony Black swapped jerseys after the Raptors-Magic game pic.twitter.com/Ikq8d1dS5o

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 18, 2024

Both players looked like they knew what they were doing as they took the photo.

However, Dick was pleading ignorance and did not admit if the viral photo was planned:

“If I played with him growing up and they’re my guys then I’ll jersey swap with him. Nothing more to it.”

The Magic’s official X account posted the photo of the two rookies, but they eventually deleted it.

Per Rose, Dick said he doesn’t have any further plans to swap jerseys with anyone as of right now.

Next up for Dick and the Raptors

Now that Dick got his viral moment, it is time he refocuses on his game.

The rookie has been struggling from the field over the last three games and is looking for a bounce back performance against the Sacramento Kings on March 20.

With the Raptors missing four regular starters, it is time for Dick to step up.

This article first appeared on Raptors Nation and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: