Jaden Bradley Drafted 50th Overall by Toronto Raptors
Jaden Bradley, the 6-foot-2 guard out of the Arizona Wildcats, was selected 50th overall by the Toronto Raptors in the second round of the NBA draft on Wednesday night. Bradley, 22, said he has been closely following the Raptors’ defensive identity and believes he can make an immediate impact on that end of the floor.
“I’m definitely paying attention to Jamal Shead, Scottie Barnes and the other guys,” Bradley said in a video conference shortly after being drafted. “They guard on the other end, I think that’s a big thing. That’s what wins games.”
Bradley and Shead Share Notable Parallels
The comparison between Bradley and Shead is striking. Both were second-round selections — Shead went 45th overall in 2024 — and both are defensive standouts who earned Big 12 Player of the Year honors during their college careers. Shead claimed the award in 2024 as a member of the Houston Cougars, while Bradley received it this past season with the Arizona Wildcats.
“I played against Shead in Houston, so just to see his professional development — he was a monster in college, but he’s killing it on offense,” Bradley said. He also noted having faced Raptors forward Gradey Dick during his NCAA tenure, giving him some familiarity with the organization’s young core.
Bradley added that he looks forward to learning from Shead at the professional level: “He’s coming along, so I can’t wait to pick his brain and learn from some of the best.”
College Production and Accolades
During his final season with the Wildcats, Bradley averaged 13.3 points, 4.4 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals across 39 games. Arizona finished with an impressive 36-3 overall record, establishing itself as one of the top teams in NCAA Division I men’s basketball.
Beyond his Big 12 Player of the Year honor, Bradley was named to the first team All-Big 12, the conference’s all-defensive team, and was named MVP of the Big 12 Tournament — a testament to his all-around contributions on both ends of the court.
Raptors See Veteran-Like Rookie
Raptors assistant general manager Dan Tolzman praised Bradley’s maturity and readiness for the professional level. “He is a perfect example of the four-year player who has had a ton of success in college, has played out all of his eligibility and is a very accomplished player coming to the NBA,” Tolzman said. “He’s going to be one of those guys that has pretty much seen it all, a little bit like a seasoned veteran as a rookie.”
Tolzman added that Toronto has historically found success with similar veteran-type rookies who arrive with well-rounded games and high basketball IQs.
Bradley echoed the organization’s confidence, noting that his experience in a competitive college program has prepared him for the leap. “Kind of a similar role in Toronto, but obviously there’s going to be some changes, so I’m just excited,” he said.
Toronto’s Draft Continues with Graves Selection
The Raptors also selected 19-year-old power forward Allen Graves with the 19th overall pick in the first round on Tuesday. Graves averaged 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game in his lone season with the Santa Clara Broncos, earning West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year honors.
Tolzman indicated that Toronto’s roster building is far from over, noting the team will explore signing undrafted free agents. “Every team is, and I know the guys in the back are working on it right now, just seeing who’s out there,” Tolzman said from the OVO Athletic Center. He added that summer league and training camp performances will help determine two-way and lower-tier roster spots, though it remains unclear how the moves will affect the full 15-man roster.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 24, 2026.
