The Nuggets have largely been humming along this season, but they’ve gone just 3-2 since losing Christian Braun to an ankle injury. It’s no surprise to those around the team, but the rest of the league is seeing just how important Braun is to everything the Nuggets do on both ends of the floor.
He’s their best perimeter defender, and often matches up with the opponent’s best creator. He’s also a rock-solid passer and rebounder, and a guy who scored over 15 points a game last season. He’s a huge part of the transition game as well, and he has excellent chemistry with Nikola Jokic.
But Braun suffered an ankle injury on the 11th of November against the Clippers and was ruled out for at least six weeks. His absence has been felt immediately, with ugly home losses to the Bulls and Kings.
The team lacked energy in those games, and the defense, which started the season in incredible fashion, has quickly fallen from 2nd in the NBA to 9th. Braun is far from the best player on the team, but he’s an important glue, and the Nuggets are missing him badly.
Nuggets forced to survive without two starters
Braun’s injury has already been compounded with a hamstring injury to Aaron Gordon that will sideline him at least 4-6 weeks. Denver will have to go at least a month without two starters and arguably, their two best defenders.
They brought in depth to try and alleviate some of these issues, and they’re certainly better equipped to handle this now than they were a season ago. Still, it’s a big ask for any team, and it will be a challenge for this Denver squad.
It means more will be on the plates of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray for sure, but it’s going to require a lot of role players to step up and take on bigger roles, especially on the defensive end. The Nuggets need the new additions, Cam Johnson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, and Jonas Valanciunas to rise to the occasion.
But it’s also a good opportunity for younger players like Peyton Watson, Spencer Jones, Julian Strawther, Jalen Pickett, and DaRon Holmes. The Nuggets' rotation is far from settled, and we’re going to see it shrink in bigger games and as the playoffs come.
There is still a chance to win the eye of David Adelman and this coaching staff, and it will be fascinating to see if somebody steps up and earns a bigger job or a permanent role in the coming weeks.