Ranking the 3 most instrumental bench players for the Spurs this season

2.) Malaki Branham

Malaki Branham is a young player whom many Spurs fans expect to show significant improvement this season, especially after he put together an impressive Summer League performance. The young swingman showcased his versatility, scoring from all three levels, playing sound team defense, and boosting his motor on the glass. He carried his momentum into the preseason, and that should help him secure a role off the bench under Popovich.

The Spurs should have a dangerous collection of reserves once Branham gains more experience and becomes comfortable with his new teammates. He has steadily learned where he fits into the offense and how to pick his spots as a scorer on and off the ball. The youngster has seen a noticeable surge in confidence, and he could cement his long-term future in San Antonio as their resident sparkplug.

The Spurs will have a tough time deciding who belongs in the second unit and who will receive bench-warming duties, but housing that much depth on your roster is a positive problem to have. Other players are still fighting for their spot in the rotation, but it appears Branham can rest easy at night knowing he has solidified a role entering his second go-round in the 2-1-0.