'Nothing Has Changed!' San Antonio Spurs' Malaki Branham Thriving in 'Positionless Basketball'

Ahead of his second season, San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham is learning to play positionless basketball and be a leader at the same time — which is something he's been eager to prove in training camp.

"Positionless basketball," as it's been deemed in the modern NBA, very well could make-or-break a team's chances at success.  

It started with big men expected to shoot 3s. Spacing the floor has become increasingly important for contending teams, meaning that bigs without a deep shot tend to be less valued — acknowledging that there are some exceptions.

San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama is an example of the positionless idea. Standing at 7-4, he's built as a big man, but one of his biggest selling points is that he isn't just that. He's able to shoot, move the ball and dribble with comfortability. 

But apart from him, other Spurs players have felt the need to adapt, with Malaki Branham being one of them. But positionless or not, he says his role is the same.

"Whatever they need for me I'm going to do," Branham said at practice Thursday. "For me, nothing has changed." 

Oct 2, 2023; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Malaki Branham (22) poses for photos during media day in San Antonio / © Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, Branham averaged 10.2 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists on 44 percent shooting from the field. His rookie campaign wasn't necessarily to the level of an All-Star on the stat sheet, but according to Gregg Popovich, it was off of the basketball court.

"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."

Coachability is certainly a big thing for a young team, and Branham is a testament to that. Filled with energy and always bearing a mile-wide smile, the rising second year has prioritized learning and developing — which has come in the form of flexibility now that Wembanyama has entered the mix. 

"We're playing positionless basketball,." Branham said. "Just being willing to play most positions and doing whatever the team needs. ... It expands our game. It expands what we can do on the court, so we're not just one-dimensional players."

"[Wembanyama helps with] spacing," he added. "There's going to be a lot of eyes on him, and a lot of wide open shots for us." 

As Branham looks to find a role this season — whether that be on the bench or even in a starting position, should his play elevate to that level — he'll be growing as a leader at the same time. 

While a squad with just two players north of 30 years old doesn't necessarily scream "leaders," Branham is standing out among his "positionless" teammates. 

And not by screaming, either. 

"I'm not big on words," Branham told the media at the end of last season. "I lead [more-so] by example, but when I do talk, I let them know where to be. I'm just a leader, and I want to get the younger guys involved."