Cavs 2022 NBA Draft Notebook: Malaki Branham Scouting Report

Branham is NBA-ready

I think the biggest question facing the Cavaliers front office before the draft is should they take on a guy who’s ready to contribute now, or a player that might develop into a star over time, if they keep their pick. The answer unfortunately, is that they might need to find someone in the middle.

When you look at both ends of the spectrum, there are a lot of players who will fit into this mold. Ochai Agbaji for example, is a guy I believe could help a playoff team like the Philadelphia 76ers next week, but doesn’t offer a ton of upside. That’s where Branham really might be the perfect mold for what the Cavs should be looking for in the first round of the draft.

There’s no doubt that after shooting nearly 50% from the field in college and over 41% from three, Branham is a consistent offensive threat. Whether it be in the form of spot-up shooting, or pull-up jumpers from the mid-range area, he has shown he can play at an NBA level. However, what makes Branham just a slight more attractive than Agbaji, is that he’s still just 18 years old!

Yes you read that right, however, he will turn 19 on May 12. Either way, the point being is that Branham provides the shooting and defensive motor Agbaji does, while also having ample time to grow into a budding star.

With his high ceiling, his great shooting, and his high basketball IQ, Branham is the rare prospect that provides immediate help but also long-term promise. I still really like Jaden Hardy’s shot-making and playmaking ability, but in all fairness Branham might be the better and safer pick. He fills a role where the Cavs desperately need help. On top of that he will certainly buy into head coach J.B. Bickerstaff’s defense-first philosophy.

With the career of LeBron James possibly winding down in the next couple of years, will the Cavaliers decide to take a chance on another player from Akron’s St. Vincent St. Mary High School? It’s only fitting.