Braxton Key
Braxton Ellis Key (né Blackwell; born February 14, 1997) is an American professional basketball player for Valencia of the Spanish Liga ACB and the EuroLeague. He played college basketball for the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Virginia Cavaliers.
.jpg) Key with Virginia in 2019 | |
| No. 7 – Valencia Basket | |
|---|---|
| Position | Power forward / small forward |
| League | Liga ACB EuroLeague |
| Personal information | |
| Born | February 14, 1997 |
| Listed height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Listed weight | 225 lb (102 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | |
| College | |
| NBA draft | 2020: undrafted |
| Playing career | 2021–present |
| Career history | |
| 2021–2022 | Delaware Blue Coats |
| 2022 | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2022 | Detroit Pistons |
| 2022 | →Motor City Cruise |
| 2023 | Delaware Blue Coats |
| 2023 | Vaqueros de Bayamón |
| 2023–2024 | Denver Nuggets |
| 2023–2024 | →Grand Rapids Gold |
| 2024–2025 | San Diego Clippers |
| 2025 | Golden State Warriors |
| 2025 | →Santa Cruz Warriors |
| 2025–present | Valencia |
| Career highlights | |
| |
| Stats at NBA.com | |
| Stats at Basketball Reference | |
Braxton Ellis Key[1][2] (né Blackwell; born February 14, 1997) is an American professional basketball player for Valencia of the Spanish Liga ACB and the EuroLeague. He played college basketball for the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Virginia Cavaliers.
Early life
[edit]Key is the nephew of NBA player Ralph Sampson, who starred at the University of Virginia.[3][4] Key's father Eric Key played at Radford University. Under his childhood surname of Blackwell,[5] Key played three seasons with Christ Presbyterian Academy, leading the team to a state title in 2013 and winning TSSAA's Mr. Basketball award in 2014 and 2015.[6] He then transferred to Oak Hill Academy for his senior year, where he played under his father's surname for the first time and led the team to a 45–1 record and national championship.[7][8]
College career
[edit]Key averaged a team-high 12 points and 5.7 rebounds per game as a freshman at Alabama. He scored a season-high 26 points against Georgia and was named to the All-SEC Freshman team.[8] As a sophomore, Key averaged 7.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 0.4 blocks per game. He was hobbled by a knee injury that forced him to miss some playing time.[9]
After the season, Key transferred to Virginia and was granted an immediate eligibility waiver by the NCAA.[9] In the 2018–19 season, Key won a national championship at Virginia, scoring six points, pulling down 10 rebounds and blocking one shot in the title game against Texas Tech.[10] Key averaged 5.7 points and 5.3 rebounds as a junior, starting six games.[11] Key had surgery for a wrist injury in November 2019 and missed several games.[12] He returned to action on December 18 against Stony Brook.[13] At the conclusion of the regular season, Key was named All-ACC Honorable Mention.[14] As a senior, Key averaged 9.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game.[15]
Professional career
[edit]Delaware Blue Coats (2021–2022)
[edit]After going undrafted in the 2020 NBA draft, Key joined the Delaware Blue Coats of the NBA G League in January 2021, after being selected in the G League draft.[16] On March 2, he posted a season-high 19 points to go with five rebounds, two assists, two steals two blocks in a 120–92 win over the NBA G League Ignite.[17]
On October 13, 2021, Key signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, but was waived the same day.[18] On October 25, he re-signed with Delaware.[19] In 43 career NBA G League games, he averaged 14.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.3 blocks in 23.7 minutes.[20]
Philadelphia 76ers (2022)
[edit]On January 5, 2022, Key signed a 10-day contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.[21] Key appeared in two games for the 76ers, scoring two points in six total minutes. After his 10-day contract expired, Key was reacquired by the Delaware Blue Coats.[22]
Detroit Pistons / Motor City Cruise (2022)
[edit]On March 24, 2022, Key signed a 10-day contract with the Detroit Pistons.[23] On April 3, he signed a two-way contract.[20] On December 26, 2022, Key was waived.[24]
Second stint with Delaware (2023)
[edit]On January 1, 2023, Key was re-acquired by the Delaware Blue Coats,[25] and eventually helped the team win the NBA G League title.[26]
Vaqueros de Bayamón (2023)
[edit]On April 14, 2023, Key signed with Vaqueros de Bayamón of the Puerto Rican league.[27] He was released on May 31.[28]
Denver Nuggets / Grand Rapids Gold (2023–2024)
[edit]Braxton Key signed with the Dallas Mavericks for the NBA 2K24 Summer League. On July 18, 2023, Key signed a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets.[29]
San Diego Clippers (2024–2025)
[edit]On October 12, 2024, Key signed with the Los Angeles Clippers,[30] but was waived a week later.[31] On October 28, he joined the San Diego Clippers.[32]
Golden State / Santa Cruz Warriors (2025)
[edit]On March 4, 2025, Key signed a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors.[33] On April 13, his two-way contract with the Warriors was converted into a standard contract.[34]
On September 23, 2025, he signed a contract with the Memphis Grizzlies ahead of the 2025–26 season.[35] He was one of the last cuts to the team's final roster on October 18.[36]
Valencia (2025–present)
[edit]On October 25, 2025, Key signed with Valencia of the Spanish Liga ACB.[37]
Career statistics
[edit]| GP | Games played | GS | Games started | MPG | Minutes per game |
| FG% | Field goal percentage | 3P% | 3-point field goal percentage | FT% | Free throw percentage |
| RPG | Rebounds per game | APG | Assists per game | SPG | Steals per game |
| BPG | Blocks per game | PPG | Points per game | Bold | Career high |
NBA
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–22 | Philadelphia | 2 | 0 | 3.2 | .500 | .000 | — | 1.0 | .5 | .5 | .0 | 1.0 |
| Detroit | 9 | 0 | 21.2 | .457 | .300 | .538 | 5.3 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 8.6 | |
| 2022–23 | Detroit | 3 | 0 | 3.0 | 1.000 | — | 1.000 | .3 | .0 | .0 | .0 | 1.3 |
| 2023–24 | Denver | 20 | 0 | 3.0 | .412 | .400 | .750 | .9 | .5 | .1 | .1 | 1.1 |
| 2024–25 | Golden State | 3 | 0 | 3.7 | .000 | .000 | .500 | .7 | .0 | .7 | .0 | 1.0 |
| Career | 37 | 0 | 7.5 | .436 | .296 | .621 | 1.9 | .5 | .4 | .3 | 2.9 | |
College
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–17 | Alabama | 34 | 30 | 29.8 | .433 | .330 | .634 | 5.7 | 2.5 | .6 | .6 | 12.0 |
| 2017–18 | Alabama | 26 | 17 | 25.2 | .409 | .250 | .667 | 5.3 | 1.8 | 1.0 | .4 | 7.0 |
| 2018–19 | Virginia | 38 | 6 | 19.8 | .433 | .305 | .731 | 5.3 | 1.0 | .9 | .6 | 5.7 |
| 2019–20 | Virginia | 27 | 25 | 33.6 | .435 | .185 | .584 | 7.4 | 1.8 | 1.2 | .6 | 9.9 |
| Career | 125 | 78 | 26.6 | .429 | .274 | .645 | 5.8 | 1.8 | .9 | .6 | 8.6 | |
Personal life
[edit]Key was known as Braxton Blackwell until 2015 when he made the decision to change his name as part of a "personal decision."[5]
References
[edit]- ^ "Braxton Ellis Key () - Basketball Stats, Height, Age". FIBA Basketball. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
- ^ "Braxton Key". ACB.COM. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
- ^ Needelman, Josh (April 9, 2019). "Virginia's Braxton Key shares special moment with cousin Ralph Sampson after winning national title". The Daily Progress. Retrieved April 9, 2019.
- ^ Wood, Norm (January 8, 2019). "Key finding his niche for U.Va., which plays Wednesday night at Boston College". Daily Press. Retrieved April 9, 2019.
- ^ a b Murphy, Michael (October 21, 2015). "Braxton (Blackwell) Key commits to Alabama". The Tennessean. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
- ^ "Christ Presbyterian Lions Championship History". TSSAAsports.com. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
- ^ Doughty, Doug (June 29, 2018). "Plenty of Virginia ties drew men's basketball transfer Braxton Key to the Cavaliers". Roanoke Times. Retrieved April 9, 2019.
- ^ a b "Virginia guard Braxton Key granted NCAA waiver, is eligible to play immediately". The Daily Progress. October 22, 2018. Retrieved April 9, 2019.
- ^ a b Boone, Kyle (October 22, 2018). "Why No. 5 Virginia got immediate eligibility for Alabama transfer Braxton Key". CBS Sports. Retrieved April 9, 2019.
- ^ Needelman, Josh (April 9, 2019). "Virginia's Braxton Key shares special moment with cousin Ralph Sampson after winning national title". The Daily Progress. Retrieved April 9, 2019.
- ^ Flaherty, Kevin (October 29, 2019). "Virginia's Braxton Key tapped as potential breakout player". 247 Sports. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
- ^ "Virginia's Braxton Key out of lineup following wrist surgery". ESPN. November 27, 2019. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
- ^ Conlin, Bennett (December 18, 2019). "Braxton Key returns as No. 9 Virginia turns away upset-minded Stony Brook". The Daily Progress. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
- ^ "2020 ACC Men's Basketball Award Winners Announced". theacc.com. Atlantic Coast Conference. March 9, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
- ^ Darney, Caroline Darney (March 9, 2020). "Diakite, Clark, and Key represent Virginia on All-ACC teams". Streaking the Lawn. SB Nation. Retrieved March 23, 2020.
- ^ "Blue Coats Announce 2021 Roster". NBA.com. January 14, 2021. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
- ^ "BLUE COATS BEAT NBA G LEAGUE IGNITE FOR EIGHTH WIN". WITN22.org. March 2, 2021. Retrieved October 28, 2021.
- ^ Adams, Luke (October 13, 2021). "Sixers Sign, Waive Jared Brownridge, Braxton Key". HoopsRumors.com. Retrieved December 19, 2021.
- ^ Delaware Blue Coats [@blue_coats] (October 25, 2021). "Let's go Camping. #TrainingCamp" (Tweet). Retrieved December 19, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ a b "DETROIT PISTONS SIGN BRAXTON KEY TO A TWO-WAY CONTRACT". NBA.com. April 3, 2022. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
- ^ Levick, Noah (January 5, 2022). "Sixers signing versatile Braxton Key to 10-day deal as Reed enters protocols". NBC Sports. Retrieved January 5, 2022.
- ^ "2021–22 NBA G League transactions". NBA.com. Retrieved January 11, 2022.
- ^ "DETROIT PISTONS SIGN BRAXTON KEY TO A 10-DAY CONTRACT". NBA.com. March 24, 2022. Retrieved March 24, 2022.
- ^ "Pistons' Jared Rhoden: Signed by Detroit". cbssports.com. December 26, 2022. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
- ^ "2022–23 NBA G League Transactions". gleague.nba.com. December 31, 2022. Retrieved December 31, 2022.
- ^ Levick, Noah (April 7, 2023). "Delaware Blue Coats win G League championship; Jaden Springer named Finals MVP". NBCSports.com. Retrieved April 7, 2023.
- ^ La Guerra del BSN [@LaGuerraBSN] (April 14, 2023). "#BSNPR OFICIAL: El delantero Braxton Key es el nuevo refuerzo de los Vaqueros de Bayamón en sustitución del lesionado Jamil Wilson" (Tweet). Retrieved April 19, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ "International and G League transactions log 2023–24: Where are former NBA players going?". HoopsHype. May 5, 2023. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
- ^ "NUGGETS SIGN GILLESPIE, HUFF AND KEY TO TWO-WAY CONTRACTS". NBA.com. July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
- ^ Hill, Arthur (October 13, 2024). "Braxton Key Signs With Clippers". HoopsRumors.com. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
- ^ Hill, Arthur (October 19, 2024). "Clippers Waive Elijah Harkless, Alondes Williams, Braxton Key". HoopsRumors.com. Retrieved October 21, 2024.
- ^ "SAN DIEGO CLIPPERS ANNOUNCE TRAINING CAMP ROSTER FOR 2024-25 NBA G LEAGUE SEASON". NBA.com. October 28, 2024. Retrieved November 2, 2024.
- ^ "Warriors convert Spencer to standard NBA contract, sign Key to two-way". nbcsportsbayarea.com. Retrieved March 5, 2025.
- ^ "Warriors Convert Braxton Key to Standard NBA Contract". nba.com. Retrieved April 13, 2025.
- ^ "Grizzlies sign Braxton Key". NBA.com. September 23, 2025. Retrieved September 23, 2025.
- ^ "Braxton Key: Waived by Memphis". CBS Sports. October 18, 2025. Retrieved December 7, 2025.
- ^ "Valencia signs Braxton Key". Sportando. October 25, 2025. Retrieved October 27, 2025.
External links
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