Among those facing uncertainty are Blake Wesley and Malaki Branham. Both have been part of the Spurs’ rebuild from the start, but without significant improvement, their time in San Antonio might be shorter than anticipated.

Wesley and Branham: Two Years In, Still Projects

Last season, the Spurs gave Wesley and Branham opportunities to establish themselves as core players. Branham, who was tried out as the starting point guard, put up decent stats—averaging 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists per game in 13 starts while shooting 36% from three. However, his defense was lackluster, he made costly turnovers, and his effort wasn’t always consistent, leading to a quick benching. Though he eventually earned his way back into the rotation, Branham missed the chance to become the reliable combo guard the team needs.

When Branham’s minutes diminished, Wesley stepped in, showcasing strong point-of-attack defense and aggressive drives to the basket. Unfortunately, his intensity led to unnecessary fouls and turnovers, and his lack of an outside shot made him easy to defend. While he was effective in specific situations, Wesley couldn’t display the well-rounded skills necessary to secure a spot in the rotation.

At 21 years old, it’s not surprising that both guards still have significant areas for improvement. The concerning issue, however, is that their weaknesses are the same ones they had in college. Branham, a score-first guard with questionable court vision and subpar defense, was valued for his ability to create his own shot, but doubts about his NBA translation persist. Wesley, a strong on-ball defender with poor decision-making and an unreliable jumper, hasn’t developed much in his two years with the Spurs.

Typically, a player’s third season is when real progress starts to show, but with the addition of new talent like Paul and Castle, and the presence of established guards Tre Jones and Devin Vassell, minutes may be hard to come by for Branham and Wesley, who have yet to prove they belong in the NBA.

The Spurs’ Competitive Ambitions May Limit Patience

This offseason, the Spurs’ front office added Paul and drafted Castle, while also bringing in young veterans Malachi Flynn and Brandon Boston Jr. on training camp deals. The allocation of roster spots to guards suggests the team may not fully trust Branham and Wesley, raising concerns about their future with the franchise.

Normally, former first-round picks on rookie contracts wouldn’t have to worry about being cut, but there is precedent in San Antonio for moving on from a project to make room for a more immediately useful player. In 2021, Keita Bates-Diop, on a non-guaranteed deal, outlasted Luka Samanic, a former 19th overall pick, on the roster. The Spurs have shown a willingness to prioritize players who can contribute over those who cannot, regardless of contract status or draft pedigree.

While it would be surprising to see either Branham or Wesley waived in favor of marginal upgrades, especially on a rebuilding team, the Spurs still have flexibility. They could use the mid-level exception to add a player if needed and will have multiple first-round picks in the upcoming draft. If injuries strike and the team is in playoff contention, the front office may look for a proven option rather than trusting Branham and Wesley to step up. In a rebuilding phase, losing young talent might seem counterintuitive, but with a steady influx of future first-round picks, speeding up the return to competitiveness could be justified.

The Spurs have made it clear they won’t skip steps, which suggests that Branham and Wesley should be safe for now. They are younger than some players drafted in 2024, and Paul is not a long-term solution. However, circumstances can change, and if they do, these guards might find themselves on the outside looking in.

Not Everyone Will Make It—And That’s Okay

Wesley and Branham were solid draft picks. Branham has logged over 3,000 minutes in a Spurs uniform, and Wesley has shown flashes of defensive potential and the practical uses of his elite physical tools. They could still have long NBA careers if they put it all together. However, it might not happen in San Antonio, especially if the Spurs are shifting their focus from development to building a competitive team.

Rebuilding is tricky because every draft pick represents potential, making it difficult to let go. But the reality is that not all players who have been part of the process will be on the next great Spurs team. Branham and Wesley will likely get at least one more chance to prove they belong, but if they can’t deliver, parting ways sooner than expected could become inevitabl.