Spurscast: Malaki Branham’s Career High Scoring Nights and the Trade Deadline is Almost Here

February 7, 2023

In Spurscast episode 685, Spurscast host Paul Garcia and Project Spurs writer Collin Reid discuss:

The Spurs’ last four games and 8-game losing streak
Malaki Branham’s back-to-back career high-scoring nights
The Spurs reportedly have interest in Charlotte Hornets forward Jalen McDaniels
Hypothetical trades involving Jakob Poeltl, Josh Richardson, and Doug McDermott

The Spurs’ last four games and 8-game losing streak

The San Antonio Spurs’ last four losses were against the Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings, and Philadelphia 76ers. With these losses, the Spurs are in the midst of their second 8-game losing streak of the season.

Through 53 game, the Spurs are 14-39 overall, with the 3rd worst record in the league, which means they would have 14% chance lottery odds for the number one overall pick if they remain with the third worst record by the end of the season. The Spurs begin their 9-game Rodeo Road Trip Monday on the road in Chicago.

Malaki Branham’s back-to-back career-high scoring nights

With Tre Jones getting injured, rookie Malaki Branham has had a chance to run more of the halfcourt offense in the pick-and-roll in the last two games. With getting this opportunity, Branham scored career highs with 22 points against Sacramento and then 26 points against Philadelphia on efficient shooting.

Branham has shown his 3-level scoring ability throughout the season, but with the injuries to the team, he’s getting multiple opportunities to learn how to run the offense in the halfcourt as one of the lead ball handlers.

The Spurs reportedly have interest in Charlotte Hornets forward Jalen McDaniels

Monday the Athletic reported the Spurs are among a group of teams with trade interest in Charlotte Hornets forward Jalen McDaniels. If the Spurs don’t trade for McDaniels this coming week, they may try to pursue him in free agency this summer according to the report.