It's not like the Denver Nuggets didn't know what they had in Bruce Brown during the 2022-23 season. He helped them win their first title! The problem was that he played too well, which is admittedly a good problem to have, but it came at a price, one the Nuggets couldn't afford. Brown declined his player option for the 2023-24 season, paving the way to sign a two-year, $45 million deal with the Pacers.
After two years of dreaming of a reunion, Brown is back in Denver on a veteran's minimum deal. He gives the Nuggets something they can't get elsewhere, making his deal look even more like a bargain, if that's possible.
Brown's versatility is what made him stand out when he played at the collegiate level with Miami, resulting in his selection as a second-round pick in 2018. It's what has helped him find his footing at the NBA level (and remain in the league), with his talents on both ends of the floor on display during his career season in 2022-23 with the Nuggets.
He's a solid defender who can guard multiple positions, while playing several different roles on the offensive end, from setting screens to being the roll man in the pick-and-roll. Brown's shooting has dipped since leaving Denver, where he shot 48.3% from the field and 35.8% from three on an average of 3.2 attempts per game (a career-high).
Now that Brown is back in an environment in which he can thrive, his shooting should improve. Nikola Jokic will find him wide-open looks. Brown is more of a midrange shooter than he is a three-point shooter, but he can help space the floor, too.
Bruce Brown's versatility gives the Nuggets another weapon
Brown can handle playmaking duties when needed, which is another plus after Russell Westbrook declined his player option to become a free agent. Denver has yet to sign a backup point guard, so Brown can take some of the pressure off Jamal Murray, but more specifically, Jalen Pickett.
He's the kind of player that coaches love because he can slot in several different lineups, playing a variety of roles. Brown doesn't specialize in one specific area, unless you count his grit and hustle.
The Nuggets' lack of depth was their Achilles heel over the past couple of seasons. They desperately needed a player like Brown off the bench, but what matters now is that he's back. Once again, he'll have the chance to prove his value with another career year (who says no?).
Brucey B returning to the Mile High City is a win for him and Denver.