Spurs' Malaki Branham Brings 'Smoothness' to San Antonio

San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham is set to enter his second NBA season with a lot of upside.

There's a lot to like with the young prospects on the San Antonio Spurs roster, but with so many, it can be easy to get lost in the fray.

But for point guard Malaki Branham, he shouldn't be someone that's overlooked.

"He has that smoothness in his game where everything feels effortless," Bleacher Report writes. "He can snake around defenders or overpower them, and he doesn't need a lot of space to get into his shot. He is more of a scorer than table-setter, but he can impact the game in both ways."

In just one season, Branham made an appearance in 66 games — starting 32 of them — and quickly showed what he was capable of. He averaged 10.2 points to go along with 2.7 rebounds and 0.5 steals a game, which made him a well-rounded young player that perfectly matched coach Gregg Popovich's development-focused year.

And Popovich didn't hesitate to give the 20-year-old his seal of approval.

San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham defended by Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard / Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

"He's going to be a heck of a player," Popovich said of Branham last season. "He shoots the ball well, and he's going to be getting in charged ... He's progressed fantastically and physicality ... [and] growing in confidence, and understanding that defense has to become more important. So he's been wonderful."

If Branham can continue along his current trajectory in his second season, he'll have a chance to be part of the next Spurs team to reach the postseason.

Branham and the Spurs return to training camp in early October.