Gary Bradds was selected by the Baltimore Bullets in the 1st round (3rd pick overall) of the 1964 NBA Draft. Bradds played in the North American Basketball League for Benton Harbor in 1965-66 and was Second Team NABL. He played for Columbus in 1966-67 and was named First Team NABL. He played for the Bullets (1964–66) in the NBA for 44 games and for the Oakland Oaks (1967–69), Washington Capitols (1969–70), Carolina Cougars and Texas Chaparrals (1970–71) in the ABA for 210 games. Averaged 12.2 points and 5.5 rebounds as a professional in 254 games, scoring 3,106 points. Averaged 17.0 points and 7.9 rebounds in the playoffs. Ranks #67 in ABA history in free throws and #76 in free throw attempts. Finished in top ten in free throw % in 1968–69. Career ABA shooting percentage of .478 ranks 36 in ABA history and his free throw % of .803 ranks #32. Ranks #67 in ABA history in free throws made with 841. Was member of the 1969 ABA Championship Oakland Oaks that included Rick Barry, Warren Armstrong, Doug Moe, Larry Brown, and Ira Harge. Averaged 20.5 points and 10.1 rebounds in the 1969 ABA Playoffs with a high of 43 points against Minnesota.

Following his pro career, was an assistant coach and Teacher and School Principal of Greeneview South Elementary . A much admired and respected local and national hero/role model to many, Gary Bradds died on July 15, 1983 at the age of 40 of cancer. His son David played basketball at the University of Dayton. Also father of two daughters, Melinda and Lori. Cousin of American Jazz Guitarist Terry Bradds. Brother Gayle Bradds played basketball for Cedarville College. Gary Bradds’ grandson Evan is a college basketball player for Belmont University and was named the 2016 Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year.