Malaki Branham Bio
Malaki Lamar Branham is an American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Charge of the NBA G League. A 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) shooting guard, he is known for his smooth scoring touch and his rapid rise from a high school star in Ohio to a first-round NBA draft pick. He previously suited up for the San Antonio Spurs and the Washington Wizards after a standout single season at Ohio State.
Born on May 12, 2003, in Columbus, Ohio, Branham first gained statewide attention at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in Akron, where he won two Ohio state championships. His blend of length, shooting, and poise has marked him as one of the more promising young guards to come out of the Ohio high school ranks in recent years.
Early Life and Background
Malaki Lamar Branham was born on May 12, 2003, in Columbus, Ohio, and grew up in the same city that would later cheer for him as a Buckeye. Starting in the fifth grade, he trained under coach Jason Dawson in Columbus, laying the technical foundation that would later define his perimeter game. His work in those early years helped him develop the footwork and shooting mechanics that scouts would later notice on the national stage.
When Branham reached high school, his family moved to Akron, Ohio, and he enrolled at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, the same program that produced NBA great LeBron James. He fit seamlessly into the Fighting Irish tradition of producing high-level guards, and his competitive instincts sharpened quickly against elite Ohio competition.
At St. Vincent–St. Mary, Branham emerged as one of the most decorated players in program history. He won two Ohio state championships, in 2018 and 2021, and was named first-team All-Ohio in both his junior and senior seasons. As a senior, he averaged 21.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, and was also selected for the Jordan Brand Classic, which was ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Path to Basketball
Branham’s path to professional basketball accelerated with his high school accolades. A consensus four-star recruit and the top-ranked player in Ohio, he drew scholarship offers from across the country, including Alabama, Baylor, and Iowa. On July 22, 2020, he committed to Ohio State, choosing to stay in his home state and continue his development in the Big Ten Conference.
His decision to remain in Ohio was about both fit and visibility. Ohio State offered him a chance to play in front of familiar crowds while competing nightly against future NBA talent. By the time he stepped on campus in Columbus, Branham was already viewed as a potential one-and-done prospect, and he met those expectations from his first college game.
Malaki Branham Career
Early Career at Ohio State (2021–2022)
Branham began his freshman season at Ohio State off the bench, but he quickly worked his way into a starting role. He delivered one of the most explosive scoring stretches of any freshman in the country, including a career-high 35 points in an 87–79 overtime win against Nebraska following a nearly month-long COVID pause. In a three-game February stretch, he posted 22, 27, and 31 points, showcasing the volume scoring that defined his reputation.
Across his lone college season, Branham averaged 13.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. He was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year, earned a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, and was also recognized as third-team All-Big Ten. On April 1, 2022, he declared for the 2022 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility, and he later signed with an agent, forgoing his remaining years at Ohio State.
San Antonio Spurs Era (2022–2025)
Branham was selected with the 20th overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2022 NBA Draft. He joined the Spurs’ 2022 NBA Summer League team and scored 15 points in his Summer League debut, a 99–90 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. On July 8, 2022, he signed a rookie-scale contract with San Antonio and began his NBA career in earnest.
As a rookie, Branham made 66 total appearances, including 32 starts, and averaged 10.2 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. He also received a brief assignment to the Austin Spurs of the NBA G League in 2022. In 2023–24, he played 75 games, including 29 starts, posting 9.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. During the 2024–25 season, his role shifted to the bench, where he made 47 appearances and averaged 5.0 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 0.8 assists.
Washington Wizards Era (2025–2026)
On July 9, 2025, Branham and guard Blake Wesley were traded to the Washington Wizards in exchange for veteran forward Kelly Olynyk. The move offered Branham a fresh opportunity to reset his trajectory in a new organization. He appeared in 28 games for Washington during the 2025–26 NBA season, averaging 4.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Branham’s signature moments is his 35-point outburst against Nebraska, a performance that announced his arrival as a college star and helped confirm his status as a first-round talent. His selection as the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, his Big Ten Freshman of the Year award, and his 2021 Ohio Mr. Basketball honor all stand as defining milestones in his young career.
Malaki Branham Career Wins
Malaki Branham has accumulated a mix of team championships, individual awards, and notable statistical achievements since his high school years. While he has not yet recorded an NBA postseason series win as a featured player, his resume already includes two Ohio state high school titles, multiple All-Big Ten honors, and consistent scoring contributions at both the college and professional levels.
High School and College Highlights
Branham’s win list begins at St. Vincent–St. Mary, where he helped capture Ohio state championships in 2018 and 2021. He added individual hardware with first-team All-Ohio selections in his junior and senior years, and he was crowned Ohio Mr. Basketball for 2021. At Ohio State, he won the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award and was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team in 2022.
Malaki Branham Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Branham was raised in Columbus, Ohio, by a supportive family whose commitment to his development was evident in his early training. His eventual move to Akron to attend St. Vincent–St. Mary High School reflected a family willing to support his basketball ambitions, and he has frequently credited his upbringing in central Ohio for his grounded approach to the game.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NBA offseason marked a major turning point for Branham, as he was traded from the San Antonio Spurs to the Washington Wizards on July 9, 2025. The trade, which sent Blake Wesley to Washington alongside him in exchange for Kelly Olynyk, opened up a new chapter in his career and offered a clearer path to consistent minutes.
During the 2025–26 NBA season, Branham appeared in 28 games for the Washington Wizards, averaging 4.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game. On February 5, 2026, he was dealt to the Charlotte Hornets in a three-team trade involving the Dallas Mavericks, and he was subsequently waived by the Hornets on February 9, 2026. He later signed with the Cleveland Charge of the NBA G League on March 9, 2026, where he continued his professional development.
