NBA Summer League: Former Buckeyes Bruce Thornton & Malaki Branham Shining Early

Posted By on July 15, 2026

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Bruce Thornton, who became Ohio State's all-time leading scorer last season, is making an early impact with the Houston Rockets' summer-league team. David Becker / NBAE via Getty Images
Bruce Thornton, who became Ohio State’s all-time leading scorer last season, is making an early impact with the Houston Rockets’ summer-league team. David Becker / NBAE via Getty Images

Former Ohio State Buckeyes Bruce Thornton and Malaki Branham are shining in the NBA Summer League for Houston and Cleveland, respectively.

The 2026 NBA Summer League season is underway, and a couple of former Buckeyes are making waves.

Selected with the 31st pick in the NBA Draft, Bruce Thornton has stood out through three games with the Houston Rockets. Thornton is averaging 20.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 42.8% from three-point range. When asked about his performances, Thornton said, “I’m a competitor, I’m a hooper.”

After a record-setting career at Ohio State, Thornton left Columbus as the all-time leading scorer. Beloved by many, he is proving the doubters wrong and shining in his role with Houston. Thornton will look to continue playing at a high level throughout the summer, as he did at Ohio State for four years. 

League and beyond.

 

Malaki Branham is another name that has garnered media attention.

After being drafted in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs in 2022, Branham has bounced around the NBA. The Dallas Mavericks traded Branham to the Charlotte Hornets before being immediately released by the team. He then signed a contract with the Cleveland Charge, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ G League affiliate, where he finished the season.

Now gearing up for his second year in Cleveland, Branham has shone in his first two summer league games with the team. Branham is averaging 15.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists with Cleveland. Branham has looked the part and has proven he belongs in the NBA. He will look to continue his strong play for Cleveland throughout the rest of Summer League.

This Summer League has been a good one for these former Buckeyes, providing an opportunity for all players to put their skills on full display in hopes of securing contracts and roles with a team. As the season progresses, it will be fun to watch Bruce Thornton and Malaki Branham represent Ohio State and shine in the NBA.

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