In the 2023 NBA offseason, Bruce Brown was one of the more highly sought-after free agents. Now 28 years old, Brown played a huge role for the Denver Nuggets in 2022-23. That season culminated in the franchise’s first NBA title and put Brown into free agency as an NBA champion.
Two seasons later, and Brown almost seems to be a forgotten man (other than by Toronto Raptors fans, his current team, who have enjoyed his cowboy get-ups on the bench). Pretty soon though, he won’t be able to wear those cowboy ensembles. Instead, he will be on the basketball court.
Bruce Brown Close To Making Season Debut For Raptors
Bruce Brown’s Return Seems To Be Right Around The Corner
The Raptors begin a four-game road trip today against the Cleveland Cavaliers. While Brown is expected to miss that game, he shouldn’t be out much longer. According to Michael Grange of SportsNet, the 6-foot-4 guard is expected to make his return to action during this stretch of games away from home. After Cleveland, Toronto goes on the road to play the Detroit Pistons on Monday, the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, and the Miami Heat on Friday.
Some notes from Raptors practice today: Bruce Brown is reconditioning and expectation is he will play at some point during the Raptors upcoming four-game road trip. Ja'Kobe Walter will stay behind with Raptors 905 to work his way back into game shape and get live reps.
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) November 23, 2024
Brown has yet to play this season due to arthroscopic right knee surgery that was done during the offseason. He became a member of the Raptors on January 17, 2024. As mentioned, he was in demand during the 2023 offseason. Brown signed with the Indiana Pacers then on a two-year deal worth $45 million. He was later involved in a blockbuster deal which was headlined by Pascal Siakam being traded from the Raptors to the Pacers.
Brown started all 33 of his appearances with Indiana prior to the trade, but he was more utilized in a reserve role after joining Toronto. In 34 games last season (11 starts) with the Raptors, Brown posted averages of 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists. He shot 48.1% from the field, 31.7% from beyond the arc, and 83.3% from the foul line.
The Raptors are off to a 4-12 start, 13th place in the Eastern Conference. They have also yet to see the season debut of Kelly Olynyk. The 33-year-old center has not played this season due to a back strain.
Has Been Involved In Trade Rumors Since Joining Toronto
While a 4-12 record certainly isn’t good, in the weaker Eastern Conference, it doesn’t put Toronto far out of Play-In Tournament position. They sit just two games behind the eighth-12th seeds in the East.
Still, many expect the Raptors to potentially be active around, or prior to, the trade deadline dealing away veterans. Brown has seen his name surface in trade rumors nearly the second since he was acquired by the Raptors. There surely is a reason for that. Brown is on an expiring deal, and contending teams have already seen how he fits on a championship team. Trading Brown could allow the Raptors to further develop rookie guards Jamal Shead and Ja’Kobe Walter.
In the meantime, while his cowboy outfits will be missed, it will be great seeing Bruce Brown return to action in an NBA game.
