The Denver Nuggets lost their starting shooting guard, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, this offseason when he signed with the Orlando Magic. Caldwell-Pope was a big part of the Nuggets’ recent success, so losing him was far from ideal. His defensive prowess tied together their backcourt. Without him, the Nuggets’ starting lineup has still looked elite throughout the preseason. Christian Braun has slid into the starting lineup seamlessly.
Braun is a defensively-oriented player, which is precisely what the Nuggets need from their starting shooting guard. He compliments the skillsets of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray extremely well on both ends of the court. If he keeps his three-point percentage around the 38% he shot last season, he will be in for a great season. Jokić is one of the few players in the NBA who can elevate his teammates’ play every game. Braun should benefit significantly from playing alongside the multi-time MVP. He should receive many open looks from three and easy cuts to the hoop.
Nuggets’ Starting Lineup Still Looks Elite with Braun
Braun Fills Caldwell-Pope’s Shoes Well
Though it’s only preseason, the Nuggets’ starting lineup is already showing how well they mesh together. In the two games that all five starters have played, all five players have had an even or positive plus/minus in minutes they’ve shared on the court. As the starting lineup plays more with Braun, they will improve more. Braun has started rough from the three-point line, making only one shot on eight attempts. The Nuggets need him to stay consistent and hit a groove from three after losing an elite shooter in Caldwell-Pope.
Defensively, Braun has consistently shown to be elite. He did a great job during the past two playoff runs guarding superstar players including Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards and Jimmy Butler. He was better guarding those players in some situations, especially during the 2024 playoffs. His defense guarding Edwards was significantly better than Caldwell-Pope’s as he was more physical with Edwards. After winning three straight championships, one at each basketball level, Braun will look to contribute to winning another NBA championship ring.
More Motivation this Season
Both Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. have had significant family blows within the past calendar year. Gordon’s brother passed away, prompting his jersey swap to number 32, which was the number his brother wore.
After fizzling out in the second round of the playoffs a season ago, the Nuggets will look to rebound with another deep playoff run. Blowing a 20-point lead at home is demoralizing and it’s likely they will have a chip on their shoulder this season. Gordon has also mentioned his motivation to get his new teammate, Russell Westbrook, a championship ring.
Aaron Gordon wants Russ to be a champ 🏆
Will Westbrook finally get his ring in Denver? pic.twitter.com/1KMWW4sqyG
— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) October 10, 2024
With added motivation, the Nuggets could be in store for another championship run. They will need their young players to step up this season due to their lack of depth. Their starting lineup will continue to prove their elite level of play, despite losing a consistent shooter and defender in Caldwell-Pope. Braun is ready to start and will fit seamlessly alongside Jokić and company.
