Christian Braun has started the season showing clear improvement both offensively and defensively. He fits like a glove with the rest of the Denver Nuggets starting lineup. He is thriving as the fourth or fifth option on offense. His efficiency is impressive, especially with the stark increase in shot attempts per game. Defensively, he is reliable and has often guarded the opposing team’s best guard. He is making a name for himself and is a big reason the Nuggets have been able to win without Aaron Gordon, who injured his calf a few weeks ago. Braun’s play has him in the running for the Most Improved Player award so far.
Christian Braun is an Early Candidate for Most Improved Player
Statistical Increases
Players typically see increases in statistics when entering the starting lineup. Braun has shown increased statistics and is doing so with better efficiency across the board. Braun has been solid offensively to start his career, but he has taken a jump this season. He is nearly outscoring both Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. to be the second-highest scorer on the team.
Braun’s minutes have jumped from 20.2 per game last season to 34.7 this season, 33rd among all players. Last season, Braun averaged 7.3 points per game on 46.0% from the field and 38.4% from the three-point line. To start this season, Braun has increased his points per game to 16.2 on 57.7% from the field and 46.7% from three. He is shooting nearly five more shots per game and is making them more often, which is exactly the production increase teams want from their young prospects.
Defensively, he is third on the team in both steals and blocks per game with 1.3 and 0.7 respectively. Those numbers are up from 0.5 steals and 0.4 blocks per game a season ago. He has played effective defense, which has translated into better offense.
Consistent Play
The Most Improved Player award typically goes to the player who has taken the biggest leap. That player must also carve out a role and show consistency. So far, that is exactly what Braun has done. He has scored in double-digits all 15 games, the most in a row for his career. He has also had a steal in 11 of the 15 games, as he has been aggressive defensively and interrupting the passing lanes.
What is most impressive is Braun is averaging a plus/minus of +7.1 per game, which is second on the team behind Nikola Jokić, who could be in line for his fourth MVP trophy. His +106 plus/minus on the season is 16th in the entire league. He finished with a positive plus/minus in 12 games, and he has finished with a double-digit plus/minus in five of those games.
His impact has extended from the court to the box score. His defensive prowess and consistent offensive threat have elevated him to one of the best young role players in the NBA. Braun’s hot start to the season has helped limit some of the negative effects of Murray’s poor start. Since he is a role player for the Nuggets, he will have the ability to maintain his stellar play. Braun will be in the running for the Most Improved Player award if his play remains consistent to what it has been thus far.
