The Nuggets are playing great, and the vibe couldn’t be higher. They’re thriving without Nikola Jokic, and the big man appears on track to be back soon. But if there’s one proverbial turd in the punchbowl, it’s whatever is going on with Christian Braun and his ankle.
CB inked a big extension in the offseason, but got off to a very slow start this season before spraining his ankle badly, just a few weeks into the season. After six weeks away, Braun made his return, but didn’t look good at all, and after just three less-than-inspiring performances, he was ruled out for another game.
Now, he’s missed four straight games again, and there’s no return in sight. Vinny Benedetto, of the Denver Gazette, asked Adelman for an update, and DA basically said that Braun is only doing the non-contact stuff in practice and that “it would be stupid to put him out there when he’s trying to get back to full strength.”
Why did Braun return if his body isn't ready?
Which is a reasonable thing to say, except for the fact that Braun already returned from the injury and played in three games. Was that stupid? Or did CB suffer a setback?
Benedetto followed up with Adelman, who confirmed it wasn’t a setback and that he came back, and he realized he wasn’t where he wanted to be. Adelman stressed that they will be patient with Braun, and that they badly need him back, but only when he’s 100%.
But it’s still a bit concerning that it has now been almost two months since the ankle sprain that Braun confirmed caused damage to his ligaments, and he still doesn’t seem close to 100%. Adelman also stated, “I watch him work out, and he’s going full speed. It’s just he can’t do everything his body should be able to do right now.”
Whether he meant to or not, Adelman is causing even more concern, implying that Braun’s ankle should have recovered by now, but it hasn’t. Ultimately, the Nuggets have been fine without CB, and they’ve had plenty of guys step up on the wing in his absence, notably Peyton Watson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Spencer Jones.
But Braun has been a huge part of what this team has done in the past few seasons, and they are going to need him at some point. Not to mention, his five-year extension hasn’t even kicked in yet. CB is going to be a big part of this team for a long time. They need him on the floor, but need to make sure this ankle injury doesn’t become a lingering issue.