Rewind the time to 2023 and Bruce Brown appeared to be one of the most important reserves in the NBA. He’d just turned in a stellar postseason, during which he offered immeasurable two-way value as the Denver Nuggets won the first championship in franchise history.
Unfortunately, Denver let Brown walk via free agency as he signed a two-year, $45 million contract with the Indiana Pacers. Three years later, he’s proving Denver never should’ve let him go.
Brown finished the 2022-23 season with averages of 11.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 three-point field goals made on .483/.358/.758 shooting. It was a development that many saw coming, as Brown had earned a reputation as a unique talent with the Brooklyn Nets.
In complementing Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray with the Nuggets, Brown’s uncanny defensive versatility and well-rounded offensive skill set were finally being highlighted on a prominent stage.
Brown proved his game could translate to the postseason by averaging 12.0 points on 51.1 percent shooting during the Nuggets’ run to the 2023 championship. He was crucial in several swing games, including the 25 points he scored to give Denver a 3-2 lead over the Phoenix Suns during the second round, and the 21 he tallied to extend the Nuggets’ lead to 3-1 over the Miami Heat during the NBA Finals.
Thankfully, after two long years with different teams, Brown is back and picking up where he left off after playing all 82 games for the Nuggets in 2025-26.
Bruce Brown is playing like it's 2023 with the Nuggets again
Brown was sensational for the Nuggets during Game 1 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He tallied eight points, seven rebounds, three assists, and an overwhelming five steals as Minnesota struggled to simply operate within his realm.
It was a brilliant display of value from the second unit, as well as a painful reminder of how badly Denver has needed him over the past two years.
A glaring lack of ideal depth was the Nuggets' Achilles heel during the 2024 and 2025 NBA Playoffs. It ultimately cost them series against teams that thrived in that very department, with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Timberwolves prevailing against them.
With a shot at redemption against MInnesota, however, it was inevitably Brown who stepped up to prove that depth could be a strength again.
Brown isn't alone in that regard, as internal development and key free agency additions have made the Nuggets a significantly better and deeper team. His return, however, seemed to spark a meaningful change in the way Denver conducts itself on both ends of the floor.
If Brown can continue to make critical plays for the Nuggets, then getting revenge against the Timberwolves and making another run toward a title could be a realistic goal.
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