With the 50th pick in the 2026 NBA draft, the Toronto Raptors have selected Jaden Bradley out of Arizona University.
The 22-year-old guard finished his senior season with the Wildcats averaging 13.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game while shooting 46.3% from the field, 39.4% from three (on just 66 attempts), and 80.9% from the free throw line.
You may remember Bradley from his Big-12 tournament game winner that looks awfully similar to a certain Raptors buzzer beater. In his senior season with the team he led the team to the Big 12 title and the final four of March Madness.
At the NBA combine, Bradley measured in at 6’2″ barefoot with a 6’6″ wingspan and an 8’0″ standing reach. Bradley is a pesky on-ball defender averaging 1.4 steals per game. He’s a very similar archetype to Jamal Shead and Chucky Hepburn.
After being drafted, Bradley spoke with media and said “Blessed to be in this organization. They’ve got a great roster. Can’t wait to hit the ground running.” via Josh Lewenberg on X
When asked what he brings to the roster, he said “Defensive presence, a point guard. Setting my teammates up, scoreing when I need to score. 3-point shooting’s going to be a big key.” via Josh Lewenberg on X
It’s going to be an uphill battle for Bradley to make the roster as the Raptors already have two smaller guards in the pipeline ahead of him in Shead and Hepburn, though he could be an excellent addition to the Raptors 905 squad.
As to why the Raptors decided not to try and get a developmental big man in the organization remains unclear. What is clear is that the Raptors seem to have a type when it comes to late round guards: seniors with the ability to be strong on-ball defenders.
This completes the Raptors’ 2026 draft and they will now pivot to free agency and the trade market to build out the rest of their roster.
