When the Toronto Raptors drafted Jaden Bradley this offseason, the original plan was for the incoming rookie to be on a two-way contract. And in the days leading up to NBA Summer League, he did sign a two-way deal. But with training camps underway, the Raptors made the decision to convert the former Arizona star’s deal to a standard, four-year contract, as per Michael Scotto of Hoopshype.com.
Jaden Bradley showed flashes of being a capable NBA rotation guard during his Summer League stint, and the Raptors obviously felt encouraged enough to give him a standard roster spot. The move came one week before the Raptors agreed on a contract extension with Jamal Shead, a similarly-built guard.
The blueprint is there for Bradley to have success at the point guard spot for the Raptors. The one is arguably the toughest position to master in the NBA. And for the 23-year-old rookie, he felt like with each Summer League game he played, he got better at reading the game and getting a handle on what’s required of a point guard in the league.
“I feel like every game I got better with the pace. Getting out fast but making sure that my guys get the ball when they need,” Bradley told ClutchPoints in an exclusive interview back during Summer League. “I obviously can clean things up, but I feel like the overall pace was there.”
Bradley appeared in five games for the Raptors during Summer League play at a little over 20 minutes per game. He averaged 6.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists. During his introduction to the pro game, there was palpable chatter on social media regarding his shooting efficiency. He knocked down only 32.4 percent of his shot attempts.
He was an efficient scorer in college, however, with only one season shooting below 46 percent from the field and only one season shooting under 32 percent from the 3-point line. The college game is obviously much different than the NBA. But shooting efficiency is something that can be worked on over time.
The most important experience Bradley got during his summer stint was just learning the pace and feel of the NBA game. He has the size, strength and skill to be a rotation point guard in the league. It’s just about finding his comfort zone in a new environment.
“I definitely had a lot of improvement from the beginning. I’m glad I got this under my belt,” Bradley said. “Obviously if I want to play on the actual roster, the speed is going to be even more, the physicality is going to be even more, more details. I got a little feel for how it’s going to be.”
Jaden Bradley’s role with Raptors
When Bradley was initially signed to a two-way deal, the consensus was he would see plenty of reps in the G League with the 905. Even with a standard contract now, he’ll still see most of his game action with the Raptors’ affiliate.
He has Immanuel Quickley and Jamal Shead playing ahead of him on the depth chart at the point, with second-year guard Alijah Martin likely in front in the pecking order as well. Bradley could conceivably play shooting guard, but he’s more suited to be at the one in the NBA and even then he’ll have RJ Barrett and Ja’Kobe Walter ahead at the two.
Article Continues BelowOver the past couple of seasons, the Raptors 905 has been among the better G League systems in the NBA. Since the franchise’s inception in 2015, they’ve had a total of 24 players called up to the NBA, including multiple with the Raptors themselves. It’s a good place for Bradley to get his feet wet, and he’s looking forward to the opportunity.
“It’s just getting that extra work in on my own time and making sure I’m in shape,” Bradley said. “Obviously going to play in the G League, getting reps, a lot of reps. And then when my number is called, my name is called, I’m going to be ready for the opportunity.”
There is one skill that the Raptors rookie guard brings to the table that could potentially accelerate his pathway to consistent rotation minutes. He was one of the best playmakers in college basketball last year en route to his Big 12 Player of the Year honors. Bradley was Arizona’s floor leader, averaging a career-best 4.4 assists. He’s a high-IQ guard who can read and react to the defense and quarterback an offense.
The learning curve in the NBA is obviously going to be a big factor. But if Bradley can consistently make the right decisions, facilitate the offense and keep his teammates involved, that could possibly go a long way towards carving out an early role.
“Obviously we have a loaded team. So I got to go out there and learn a lot of stuff,” Bradley said. “But if I do end up getting a couple of minutes here and there, it’s going to be about defense and getting the ball to my teammates. Every roster has their set guys, so it’s just about getting out there and doing what I can.”