There are certain variables that arise during the season that can make or break the campaign, and the Denver Nuggets faced their share of X-factors in 2025-26, just like every team did. Some were beyond their control, and some were totally within their control.
These are what I believe will be the four biggest X-factors facing the Nuggets for the 2026-27 season.
No. 1: Avoiding the injury bug
It's unfortunate to have to lead the list out with this issue at the forefront of the variables. But this one was out of the Nuggets' control last year, and the problem itself was out of control. The bug hit early, and hit often.
First it was Christian Braun, who missed 38 games. Then it was Aaron Gordon, who missed 46 games, plus three crucial playoff games. Cam Johnson missed 28, and Nikola Jokic missed 17. The banner of health was Jamal Murray, who had the best season of his career while carrying the burden through his healthiest season since 2018-19. Plus, Peyton Watson missed 28 games, including the entire first round of the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Nuggets were a pretty good team when they had everyone together, and 54 wins should be doable again as long as the bug doesn't bite much this year.
No. 2: Christian Braun
Christian Braun inked a massive five-year, $125 million contract extension before the season started, and by the time the season was over, Nuggets fans were declaring it one of the worst contracts in the NBA. But we have to let that go. That's on the front office now.
All Braun can do is go out and play his best to win. He regressed offensively and was never as explosive as he was in 2024-25, when he averaged 15.4 points on a bevy of points around the rim in transition and from Jokic feeds.
But Braun never seemed to fully recover from his ankle injuries during the season. He'll have a clear slate and clean bill of health entering 2026-27. And he should have a chip on his shoulder to show that he's worth his contract.
If he can improve upon the 30.1% three-point shooting and return to his 39.7% from 2024-25, the Nuggets would be able to open the spacing a little more. Braun couldn't knock down the open three against the Timberwolves, and it was one reason the Nuggets lost. Braun having a progressive year would be huge for the Nuggets.
No. 3: Coaching adjustments
Part of the problem the Nuggets faced against the Timberwolves was a defensive leak on the perimeter. Head coach David Adelman didn't adjust, and the Timberwolves guards and wings had no problem getting into the paint. Adelman also never got the Nuggets to adjust their offense when it went stagnant, and he was clearly outcoached by the Timberwolves' Chris Finch during the series.
The Nuggets got Adelman some veteran help in new assistant coach Dave Joerger. Joerger's a former head coach who has a defensive-minded background, and it's hopeful that his presence will help Adelman make more, better (or any) adjustments.
If the Nuggets can get some injury luck, have Braun progress, and change the coaching strategies on the fly better, the X-factors shouldn't limit the Nuggets from having a great season.
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