The Denver Nuggets were more comfortable letting Kentavious Caldwell-Pope leave in free agency than anyone expected.
Arriving as a free agent in 2022, his perimeter skills were integral to Denver’s success during their championship run. The Georgia native was hot beyond the arc in 2022-23, converting a career-high 42.3 percent of his 3s. Though his efficiency fell a bit in the playoffs, he still made 38.0 percent of his long-distance attempts. Playing tight perimeter defense all the while, often against their opponent’s best wing scorer, he was immaculate.
Nuggets’ Michael Malone Discusses Plan to Replace Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
With Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth quickly singling out Christian Braun as Caldwell-Pope’s replacement in the starting lineup, it does appear that they had a succession plan.
That being said, as Braun is coming off his best season, he’s arguably the best option. At 6-foot-6 and 218 pounds, the former first-round pick is an above-average athlete with solid positional defense. Making 38.4 percent of his 3s in the 2023-24 regular season, he looked the part of a 3-and-D wing, albeit one who thrives in transition.
Yet, Braun has made just 21.4 percent of his 3s in the playoffs. For a team whose goal is to win championships, his postseason efficiency isn’t good enough for him to be guaranteed a starting gig. Indeed, it’s the primary reason why Nuggets head coach Michael Malone is right to have a competition for the spot.
Among the players expected to get a shot at the role is crafty second-year wing Julian Strawther.
Michael Malone on the Nuggets’ starting shooting guard spot: “I’m not giving that spot to anybody. It’s a competition.” Malone mentioned he’s spoken to Julian Strawther about that spot being up for grabs.
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) July 13, 2024
Julian Strawther
Selected with the 29th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Strawther made 38.4 percent of his 3s at Gonzaga. During a brief G League assignment, he averaged 11.5 3-point attempts per game, making 39.1 percent of them. However, in a 23-game stretch with the Nuggets where he averaged 15.7 minutes per game, he only made 32.6 percent of his 3s.
Though Strawther has the tools to replace Caldwell-Pope, he has to be more consistent from deep.
This puts him in the same boat as Braun. In fact, it’s the same problem that fan favorite Peyton Watson and 2023 No. 32 pick Jalen Pickett have. This leads to the possibility that the Nuggets will have to add a starting-caliber wing via trade or free agency.
Free Agency
In part due to their tight budget, Denver has already been rejected by Buddy Hield and Klay Thompson, exceptional 3-point threats. Free agent guard Gary Trent Jr. may also cast their offer aside. However, 3-point specialist Luke Kennard is still unsigned. Lonnie Walker IV, a high-flyer who has made 37.5 percent of his 3s the last two seasons is as well.
Of the two, the 25-year-old Walker has the most defensive upside. He’s also more likely to accept a minimum contract. Yet, Kennard is more of a surefire shooter. The former 12th overall pick has made 43.9 percent of his career 3s, the third-best mark in NBA history.
Trade
There aren’t any trades that Denver could make for a starting-caliber shooting guard. If they manage to trade for Los Angeles Clippers star Russell Westbrook, they can start him at point guard and move Jamal Murray to shooting guard. Yet, Denver would definitely be sacrificing 3-point shooting and spacing in that scenario.
If acquiring Westbrook, there should be many spurts that he plays alongside the starters. With his passing, cutting, and slashing, he could provide a nice wrinkle to the offense. However, due to his defensive concerns, flat jumper, and need to make plays off-the-dribble, Westbrook’s not an ideal fit for the first unit. He’s best served coming off the bench as a super sixth man, affecting the game with his intensity.
