Toronto Raptors
Gradey Dick is denying any foolishness involved in his shirt swap with Antonio Negro …telling reporters that he simply wanted to show love to his friend.
The Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic rookies went viral with their postgame exchange over the weekend… with many pointing out the suggestive phrase their last names spelled out when they posed for a photo (hint: Black’s last name came first). .
The complete exchange. They knew what they were doing all along haha pic.twitter.com/hix4NBBgs3
– Oh no, he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) March 18, 2024
@ohnohedidnt24
Dick was asked about all the fuss on Tuesday… and he swore it was nothing more than two longtime friends reconnecting.
“That’s my guy,” Dick said at practice. “I’ve been playing with or against him since high school. So, that’s been my guy for a long time.”
Dick defended the change… adding, “Boys trade shirts with boys. That’s my friend.”
When asked if he has any other jersey changes planned, Dick said he has just one criteria.
“If I played with them growing up and they’re my guys, then I’ll trade jerseys with them. Nothing more.”
While Dick’s reasoning is behind choosing black In popular lore, it’s pretty clear that the guys purposely positioned themselves to have a little fun… especially considering it looked like they orchestrated the whole thing before smiling for the cameras.
Either way, he certainly left a big impression on the league.