One of the areas the Denver Nuggets needed to improve on the defensive side of the ball was their transition defense. It was dead last in 2025-26, and the Nuggets have put in a plan to try to shore up that aspect of their game. Well, they also need to start getting better at forcing turnovers and grabbing steals by applying pressure, because they were dead last at that aspect of their game last year, too, and so far in the preseason, the numbers are much the same.
The Nuggets forced a lowly 11.8 turnovers per game last year, and only secured 6.8 steals. Last in both. So at least there's only one direction they can go! But they're only averaging 13.5 turnovers forced through the first four preseason games, and just 7 steals. That's some pretty poor defense and pressure, and if the Nuggets don't start forcing the issue with physicality, it's going to be bleak again on the defensive side of the ball.
Christian Braun has to step up with the starters
The biggest issue is the lack of pressure from Christian Braun so far. We've heard about how his "explosion" is back, but he's been lackluster on defense, and he's only got one steal and two blocks through four games. He's supposed to be one of the best defenders on the starting five, along with Aaron Gordon, but he just hasn't shown one of the major aspects of his skill set that helped him secure his five-year, $125 million extension that kicks in this year.
Braun, along with all the starters, needs to do a better job of getting their hands up in the passing lanes to try to deflect the ball if they aren't going to get the physical pressure on their opponents.
Alpha Diallo should see some time with the starters
At this point, head coach David Adelman needs to try out Alpha Diallo with the starters. Braun may not need to lose his starting spot, but if he isn't scoring or getting stops on defense, then there's no reason not to put Diallo out there for his defensive prowess. The other four starters can obviously take care of the scoring load, and they can let Diallo concentrate on being a "menace" to the opposing primary ball handler and perimeter players.
Diallo has 6 steals in 4 games to lead the team, not to mention he's caused a turnover by creating an 8-second backcourt violation against the Utah Jazz. There's no harm in trying him out early, and he could end up being a revelation with the starters. Offensively, Nikola Jokic will find him open in the corner for a three or cutting to the rim for a nice finish.
Whatever Adelman does, the Nuggets have got to get more pressure applied on defense.
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