One of the biggest question marks surrounding the Denver Nuggets this offseason was whether or not we would see Christian Braun take a leap forward this year. So far, so good on that front. Braun has looked great in training camp, and the needed leap in year one of his massive five-year, $125 million contract looks to be coming.
Braun said during the Nuggets' media day that he was feeling fine after a long season of injuries in 2025-26, and it sounds like he wasn't just being optimistic. Braun talked about working on his three-point shot at media day as well, but he's also been working on ball control, which would give him even more value for the Nuggets this year. He's off to a strong start in training camp.
Head coach David Adelman was asked if Braun "looked like the old Christian," and he didn't hesitate. "Exactly. Especially the explosion," Adelman said. That missing "explosion" was one of the reasons Braun regressed last season. But if it's truly back, the Nuggets could get close to getting the value that Braun signed that contract for.
If Braun has improved, the Nuggets can go far
There's no question that Braun was a disappointment last year. He's also carrying that burden, and he's definitely going to be playing with a chip on his shoulder this season after all the things that have been said about him. But if he puts it all together this year, the Nuggets can go far.
Ball handling was one of the top priorities of Adelman, and if Braun can also help bring the ball up the floor to take pressure off Jamal Murray, he's already taking a step in the right direction.
But it was Braun's lack of "explosion" last year that really set him back. Not only was it one of the factors that caused Braun to be worse in transition and cutting, but it was also the biggest reason his defense suffered. Braun couldn't get any stops in the first round of the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, contributing heavily to why the Nuggets were run out of the first round.
But a healthy Braun solves that defensive issue. He was an excellent defender two years ago, and he should return to that form.
All signs are pointing to a rebound year for Braun, which he needs to get everyone off his back about the contract that he signed. And if he does make a return to form, and better yet, takes a leap forward from how he played two years ago, the Nuggets have a much better chance of making a deep playoff run.
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