Spurs select Malaki Branham with No. 20 pick

The San Antonio Spurs selected Ohio State guard Malaki Branham with the No. 20 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Branham raised his draft stock significantly during the 2021-22 season with an impressive display of three-level scoring. After a slow start of seven straight single-digit scoring efforts, he scored in double figures in 19 of his final 25 games, including the last 11 straight.

The Big Ten Freshman of the Year averaged 13.7 points with a 49/41/83 shooting line, 3.6 rebounds, and two assists across 32 games. Branham also has two 30-point efforts on his resume, including a 35-point performance in an overtime win versus Nebraska on Jan. 2.

Bio

Position: Guard
School: Ohio State
College experience: Freshman
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 180 lbs
Wingspan: 6-foot-10
Max vertical: 35 inches

Strengths

• Efficient scorer on a high volume of field goals, especially from mid-range
• Strong ball-handling skills help him drive past defenders
• Consistent shot release with solid follow-through
• Thrives in fast-break transition opportunities

Weaknesses

• Finishes his drives nearly exclusively with his right hand
• Room for improvement as a shooter off the dribble
• Lacks strength defending against bigger defenders, although this should improve over time