Spurs Sign First-Round Pick Malaki Branham

The Spurs have signed shooting guard Malaki Branham to his rookie-scale contract, as relayed by Paul Garcia of Project Spurs.

Branham, 19, is 6-foot-5 and was selected with the No. 20 pick overall. He will earn $2.44 million in the first year of his contract, $2.56 million in the second year and $2.68 in the third. The final year of the deal consists of a team option.

Branham spent one season at Ohio State and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and third-team All-Big Ten. A native of Columbus, he averaged 13.7 points and 3.6 rebounds on the season. He played high school ball at Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary, the same school that produced Lakers star LeBron James.

The official NBA Draft Guide wrote of his strengths: “Versatile guard with a smooth offensive game. Long and rangy; has three-level scoring potential. Capable shooter from deep and mid-range. Has the size and length to be an impactful defender.”