Malaki Branham suffered a right ankle sprain during the first half at Memphis on Tuesday and was ruled out, Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News tweets.
The Spurs’ staff has been willing to allow Branham to work through his mistakes at the point, according to Orsborn.
“It’s a whole new world for him and he’s absorbing it every game, basically trying to figure out the role,” coach Gregg Popovich said. “It’s a tough role. It’s the most difficult on the court really in some ways. So, he’s been very successful in taking steps each time to understand how he can help the team, with being aggressive, decision-making, all those sorts of things. He’s dealing with all that, been doing well.”
Here’s more from the Southwest Division:
- Discussing the right ankle sprain that is expected to sideline teammate Zach Collins for two-to-four weeks, Spurs sharpshooter Doug McDermott said he appreciates the franchise’s conservative approach to injury management. “They look after your body,” McDermott told Orsborn. “They are very player-friendly in that regard. Pop is one of the best I have been around with that stuff. They care about your career. We all appreciate how they go about that.”
- Kyrie Irving returned on Monday from a heel contusion that had sidelined him since Dec. 8. As Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News details, the Mavericks guard admitted he was very concerned when the injury occurred, as teammate Dwight Powell fell on his leg. “Oh, yeah, I was scared, man. I was very scared,” Irving said. “My daughter was at the game. I was trying to make sure she was good first, so I went into daddy mode right after. But once I got home, man it was a struggle, just even going to sleep. You could feel the throbbing. I wasn’t sure of the significance of the injury and how long I was going to be out.”
- Luka Doncic is grateful the Mavericks signed Dante Exum, who is currently dealing with a heel injury, as a free agent last summer, Grant Afseth of Sports Illustrated writes. Exum has made an unexpected impact since returning to the NBA from the EuroLeague, starting 14 games and making contributions across the board. “Honestly, he’s been amazing so far,” Doncic said of Exum. “Not just really good, but amazing. His IQ is insane. He’s driving to the basket. His layups, he’s been hitting threes. I’m really happy that he’s on the team because he’s been a great addition to our team.”
Mavs desperately need some defense; they should trade Luca and a pick-swap for Siakahm and 2 first-round picks.
Mavs need a culture change and Siakahm brings the hard work matching better with Kyrie; Raptors need scoring with no young good players, Luka is.
Huh, huh? Whah?…lmao
My exact reaction. What even…
You’re trolling, right? If not, you’re delusional then.
Are u ok?
Must be a Raps fan. If Luka goes expect an AD level trade with a sprinkling of Mitchell to Cavs! No way he goes for less than an all star, multiple top young talent and enough picks to rival OKC.
Flaveflava, are you special needs? Do you wear a helmet 24/7?
I’m a Raps fan and I’m here to tell you the Mavs would never consider anything remotely close to a deal like that. Scottie Barnes, Quickley and boat load of picks to open that conversation. And the Mavs would not be the team opening those talks.
Hell, you’d have to add Siakam just to make the money work too. It’s unrealistic in every direction.
That is why I included Siakahm, I did in 2K and both teams won, I think GMS afraid to pull triggers.