The Nuggets got some brutal news heading into the weekend, finding out that Christian Braun will be out for at least six weeks with a sprained ankle. The only bright spot to glean from this tough situation is that the team will get a good look at some of the younger, fringe roster players like Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett, and maybe even Zeke Nnaji, DaRon Holmes, and Hunter Tyson.
Braun hurt his ankle Wednesday night against the Clippers, awkwardly limping to the locker room before halftime, and never returning. The team announced on Friday that he suffered a left ankle sprain and will be re-evaluated in six weeks. Hopefully, the recovery will go well and he’ll be ready to go as early as possible, but Denver could be without a starter for two months.
This is a chance for all of Denver’s players to step up, but it’s especially an opportunity for the younger guys. This Nuggets team is clearly in direct competition for a title, and they need to make sure that every element of the roster is maximized heading into the playoffs.
If there is any area of weakness or uncertainty, the front office needs to pounce ahead of the trade deadline and make sure it’s cleaned up. We saw Peyton Watson switch agencies, a signal that he’s likely to leave in the offseason. We may see his name pop up in trade rumors ahead of the deadline, but much more than that should be in play.
Strawther and Pickett can earn spots in rotation
But the deadline isn’t for months, and Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace will have a large sample of games to look at before making any drastic decisions. Braun’s absence is going to open up some major bench minutes for guards and wing players.
The first logical option is the guy who seems to be right on the borderline of the rotation, Julian Strawther. Julian has shown shooting and scoring prowess when given a chance the past couple of years, but hasn’t fully broken out, and may just be the odd man out this season. But with Braun out, he should get a chance at stable minutes, and if he can get hot and give this team the shooting punch they crave, it could possibly stick.
Jalen Pickett is more of a point guard, but he should definitely get a chance as well. Denver is going to have to make an extension decision soon on Pickett, and they need to know if he’s a consistent, feasible rotation player or not.
Spencer Jones, on a two-way deal, has been getting some minutes already and has provided very good defense. He should get an extended look here as well. DaRon Holmes and Zeke Nnaji don’t play the same position as Braun, but guys may slot up and down, which could create more power forward minutes or bigger lineups that may give them a chance.
Hunter Tyson is basically the 15th man right now, and earning real minutes may seem like a stretch. But he’s a bigger wing who can shoot, so never say never.
The injury will hurt the team in the short term for sure, and means it won’t be until next year that we see Braun fully get his feet wet in this offense. But there’s a real shot at finding something in his absence that could unlock things for the Nuggets down the stretch, when things really count.