Cavs 2022 NBA Draft Notebook: Malaki Branham Scouting Report

Malaki Branham Scouting Report

Height/Weight: 6’5″, 180 LBS

2021-2022 Ohio State Stats: 13.7 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.0 APG

3-Point/Field Goal/Free Throw: 41.6%/49.8%/83.3%

I’d be lying if I said I thought at this time last year that Branham would be on the verge of being a lottery pick. After a very successful career at Akron St. Vincent St. Mary’s, Branham was ESPN’s 34th-ranked player in the class of 2021.

As a four-star recruit Branham didn’t have his first double-digit scoring game for the Buckeyes until he scored 11 against Penn State on December 5th, 2021. Two games later, the electric freshman had his best game of the season, dropping 35 points in an exciting overtime game versus Nebraska. From there, NBA scouts were likely taking notice of the Buckeyes freshman.

The first thing you might notice about Branham when you watch him play, is that he plays with a serious edge. He’s a very tough kid with natural leadership abilities, that also helps out a lot on the boards. On the defensive end, the effort is there, he just needs to refine his craft.

It’s a lofty comparison,  but there’s a little bit I like in Branham’s game that reminds me of the Phoenix Suns’ Mikal Bridges. Long, lengthy, and athletic, Bridges is one of the best on-ball defenders in the entire NBA. Branham doesn’t have the 7’1″ wingspan of Bridges, but his 6’10” wingspan helps him out a lot on the defensive end.

Efficient is the first word that comes to mind when looking at Branham’s tape. He can score at all three levels, and his shooting splits show that he has good shot selection, and is just very consistent, which you don’t often see in college athletes. Shooting over 40% from deep in one college season is an impressive feat. However, he doesn’t always fall in love with his jumper, even though his mid-range game is lethal at times. But, when he attacks the rim, he has strong shoulders that allow him to take contact while still finishing. He will tighten his handles as he matures, which will help him create even more separation on defenders.

In the playmaking department, he isn’t a player who will impress you with no-look passes, or huge dunks, but he has a very high basketball IQ. He knows where his teammates are supposed to be and finds them when they are open. As a spot-up shooter, he will improve as he gets used the NBA’s style of play. If he can show that his defensive skills translate to the NBA, along with his scoring arsenal, he could be a perfect fit for the Cavs in the 2022 NBA Draft.