Wiz of Awes
Fansided

Wizards’ opening night roster features a shocking name no one expected

This player wasn't widely expected to make the Wizards roster.
ByJohn Canady|
Mar 24, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards Brian Keefe looks on during the second quarter as Washington Wizards guard AJ Johnson (5) enters the game at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Mar 24, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards Brian Keefe looks on during the second quarter as Washington Wizards guard AJ Johnson (5) enters the game at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images | Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

The Washington Wizards have made an abundance of moves this offseason bolstering the depth chart at head coach Brian Keefe's disposal.

Washington not only made several acquisitions landing talented players like CJ McCollum and Cam Whitmore, but they also brought in a loaded rookie class headlined by arguably the most complete scorer in the 2025 NBA Draft in Tre Johnson.

In addition to the players the Wizards added that seemed like a lock to make the opening night roster, Washington also added several players to training camp deals with the chance to compete for a roster spot when its all said and done.

As a result, it was clear from the jump that the Wizards front office would have several tough decisions to make when the regular season rolled around.

Throughout preseason, multiple players got the chance to make their case to remain on the roster past final cuts, but with only limited spots to spare, Washington would be forced to cut some dreams short.

However, one player in specific managed to extend his dream just a bit longer despite many feeling he wouldn't make it out of the preseason with the Wizards.

Malaki Branham makes opening night roster

The Washington Wizards revealed their opening night roster on Monday afternoon revealing several locks and a couple surprises.

The biggest surprise to come from the Wizards roster reveal is the fact that Malaki Branham avoided being let go.

Branham landed in Washington in a deal with the San Antonio Spurs this offseason in exchange for Kelly Olynyk, who the Wizards quickly re-routed after acquiring the big man from the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Ohio State product is a former first-round pick and his arrival in Washington flew under the radar, partially because of the fact that nobody expected the guard to stick around long.

Blake Wesley, another former first-round pick by the Spurs, who landed in Washington alongside Branham quickly found himself involved in a contract buyout with the Wizards.

As a result, it didn't seem like a lock that Branham would remain in Washington, especially with the surplus of young talent on the roster that the Wizards are set to prioritize the development of.

Not to mention there wasn't a preseason performance that hinted he could stick around beyond final roster cuts.

Nonetheless, Branham finds himself as part of the Wizards' opening night roster, with the chance to compete for minutes in Washington's loaded backcourt.

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