NBA Mock Draft 4.0: Picks for the entire first round

At this point, the marriage between Malaki Branham and the Cleveland Cavaliers is becoming nearly overwhelming. Left and right prognosticators and analysts are joining the two together. Why is this such a popular fit?

The Cavs need to add players on the wing; if the player they draft is not able to play minutes at the 2 or the 3 it will be a shock to all watching. With the way the draft board is falling, that leaves the Cavs’ options among players like Tari Eason and E.J. Liddell (3/4 hybrids) or Malaki Branham and Ochai Agbaji (2/3 hybrids).

Branham is the popular pick because of his upside. He is one of the younger players in the class, rather than a junior or senior, and his potential to become a special offensive player is greater than someone like Agbaji or even his college teammate, Liddell. He would be a seamless fit alongside Darius Garland in the backcourt and his shooting and playmaking will complement the Cavs roster well.

If a player such as Dyson Daniels or even Johnny Davis falls, they are probably the pick here. Daniels in particular would be an excellent pairing with Garland, giving this team some of those Ricky Rubio vibes from a year ago. If both are gone, Branham seems like a great pick.