PHOENIX – ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo’s projection of Arizona guard Jaden Bradley to the Phoenix Suns with the 47th pick is more intriguing than it may initially appear.
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Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Jaden Bradley (0) looks on against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
Second-round selections rarely generate major headlines, but Bradley checks several boxes the Suns desperately need. He brings defensive intensity, ball-handling stability, and an understanding of how to control tempo. Those qualities may not dominate highlight reels, but they often become essential pieces on winning teams.
Mar 28, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Jaden Bradley (0) shoots the ball against Purdue Boilermakers forward Trey Kaufman-Renn (4) in the second half during an Elite Eight game of the West Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Phoenix already has Collin Gillespie emerging as a reliable option, yet adding another young guard would provide valuable depth and competition. More importantly, Bradley’s skill set could eventually help connect a roster built around high-level scorers. If Booker, Jalen Green, and Dillon Brooks are expected to maximize their strengths, someone must organize possessions, initiate offense, and create easier opportunities. That role may not be glamorous, but it is often what separates talented teams from complete teams.
Arizona Wildcats guard Jaden Bradley (0) shoots the ball during practice ahead of a Final Four game on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
For years, the Phoenix Suns have looked their most dangerous when Devin Booker shares the floor with a true playmaking point guard. The structure Chris Paul provided during Phoenix’s run to the NBA Finals allowed Booker to focus on scoring. The formula for Phoenix has remained consistent as Booker thrives when he doesn’t have to carry every responsibility in the offense.
Major ESPN mock draft update this morning including the latest from me and @ShamsCharania on AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Washington and Utah — and my full first-round projections with new intel from around the league.https://t.co/LaDg22mZgx
— Jeremy Woo (@JeremyWoo) June 15, 2026
The local significance is equally compelling. Arizona basketball fans have watched Bradley develop in Tucson and become a respected leader for the Wildcats. A move to Phoenix would allow those supporters to continue following his growth while giving the Suns a prospect already familiar with the state’s basketball culture. Championship contenders need stars, but they also need connectors. If Bradley develops quickly, Phoenix may find that one of the most important additions to its future arrived long after the first round ended.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
