The Cleveland Cavaliers have some interest in Malaki Branham

The Cleveland Cavaliers have some interest in incoming rookie Malaki Branham.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are narrowing down the prospects that they’re interested in and one of them is area favorite, Malaki Branham. Branham, who went to St. Vincent St. Mary, before going to Ohio State, is a 6’4 guard, who played forward at OSU. Despite playing forward at OSU, many draft sites and experts have him projected to be a two-guard in the NBA.

Branham is an intriguing prospect, as he shot fairly well at the collegiate level. This may be why he’s being brought in by the Cavs for a workout on Wednesday. He’s one of 10 players the Cavs are apparently interested in, and that may be a good thing, as Branham could potentially move up the board even higher.

Branham isn’t a great defender, and is pretty similar to Collin Sexton and Caris LeVert in how he plays, making it no guarantee that he has much impact on the team in 2022-2023. The team has a need for size on the wings, and a forward would be more in line with the team’s needs.

That said, you don’t always pick needs in the draft, especially in the NBA draft. Getting the best player is far more important. Is Branham the best pick? No clue, no one knows. No one will know for a year or so.

What we do know is that Branham is considered a good character player and the team could always use more of those types.

There’s a scenario where drafting Malaki Branham makes sense

The reason to pass on Branham is mostly due to the fact that the team is loaded at the guard. As he’s a bit undersized to play forward in today’s NBA, having the 6’4 Branham at the two is the best fit. Yet, he’s competing with Sexton, LeVert, Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro, and potentially Ricky Rubio for minutes then.

Now that’s important to notice, as Sexton and Rubio both are without contracts for the 2022-2023 season. If the Cavaliers can’t bring back Sexton and/or Rubio, then not only dies Branham become an option, he’s a player the team should arguably take a run at. Even if it means trading up.

If the Cavs retain Sexton and bring back Rubio, the team should look at a more natural forward at the 14th pick.