Spurs Rookie Malaki Branham 'Loves' Being Coached by Gregg Popovich

Malaki Branham has enjoyed a successful rookie season with the San Antonio Spurs, much in part due to Gregg Popovich's guidance.

Jeremy Brener | Mar 30, 2023

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San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs point guard Malaki Branham is growing after dropping his eighth 20-point performance of the season in Wednesday night's loss against the Utah Jazz.

Branham, who started the season off with the G League affiliate in Austin, has grown tremendously from the beginning of the season to now, and the rookie from Ohio State credits coach Gregg Popovich for his growth.

"I'm learning he's going to be coaching me up," Branham said. "Ever since I've been playing, he just wants me to grow, grow as a pro and off the court, be a better man. I love it."

With the Spurs prioritizing development over wins, players like Branham get to have an extended look, likely more playing time than if he played for a contending team.

The Spurs have seen several players drafted in the 20s, like Branham, who have gone on to have successful careers with the same guidance under Popovich. Players like Tony Parker and Dejounte Murray have turned their late-first round trajectories into long successful careers.

And it appears Branham is embracing the idea of learning under Popovich and accepting his current reality as someone who can make a difference in San Antonio.

Branham and the Spurs head out to San Francisco Friday night to play the Golden State Warriors. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m.

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Published Mar 30, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.