His decision to take a punt on the Nuggets and ink a one-year deal surprised some of his friends and family.
But the way the 27-year-old sees it, there is a lot to lose but there also a lot to gain and it is worth the risk.
"The Otago team has struggled for a while and didn't win a game last year," Bradshaw said.
"And friends and family have said it is a big risk and questioned why I would want to play for Otago.
But I see it this way: it is a huge risk, but there is the opportunity for a great return.
"If I can get this team to win some games, then it is going to look good for me and also help Otago."
The Nuggets badly need Bradshaw charging up and down the court.
The athletic 2.05m forward is still recovering from corrective ankle surgery and was going to sit the season out.
He was also looking forward to a New Zealand summer of rest and recreation after spending the majority of the past eight years overseas.
But the Nuggets approached him just as his resolve was weakening.
The franchise put a good package together and lured the big man south.
Now it is up to him to deliver.
The Nuggets have not won an NBL game since April 2008 and are desperate to start stringing together some better performances.
Bradshaw accepts it is a daunting task.
He arrived in the city two weeks ago and was struck by the inexperience of most of his new team-mates.
"I was surprised at how young the team is.
"I don't recognise any faces accept for Riki Buckrell, and that is just because he is from our area.
"But they are really enthusiastic.
"They are here training every morning, shooting and doing their conditioning work, so it is good to see."
Bradshaw and fiancee Felicity Kenny have settled in nicely and are enjoying the relaxed lifestyle Dunedin has to offer.
It is change of pace from Auckland's North Shore and the couple are expecting their first child in July.
It is a very exciting time in their lives.
The Nuggets' campaign tips off against Auckland in Auckland on April 13 and a lot of pressure will fall on Bradshaw's shoulders.
So far he is the only big signing, and the word is experienced point guard Luke Martin will, if he has not already, sign with Auckland.
The Nuggets had been chasing his signature but the gap between what the Nuggets could offer and the package Auckland put together is understood to have been too large to overcome.
Nuggets coach Alf Arlidge confirmed Martin would not be playing in Otago colours this season but said he could not comment on whether he had signed for Auckland or not.
However, Arlidge said he has other players in his sights and the franchise hoped to complete its roster within the next month or so.
With two import slots available, a quality point guard will be at the top of shopping list and a big man who can shoot would also come in handy.
The core of last season's young side has returned another year older and wiser.
Guards James Ross and Sam To'omata and forward Tom Rowe are in their third season with the Nuggets, and Riki Buckrell and Matt Trueman have also returned for another season.
"They've been working hard in the gym," Arlidge said.
"They have all put on weight, they've all got bigger and they are all training harder.
"They know how hard it was last year and know what it takes now."
Former Otago Boys' High School pupil Sam King (19) has returned to Dunedin after a stint in Auckland with the Breakers development squad.
He will be joined by Adam Dunstan, who was also with the Breakers development squad.
He has moved to Dunedin to study law and is a promising swingman from Tauranga.
To'omata will captain the side again and look to enhance his reputation as a player on the rise.
Otago Nuggets: The squad
Sam To'omata, Craig Bradshaw, Tom Rowe, Riki Buckrell, James Ross, Sam King, Matt Trueman, Hayden Miller, Adam Dunstan, Tom Allan, Ollie Smith, Damon Cleverley.
