The Denver Nuggets have a growing Christian Braun problem. He’s just not consistent. He hasn’t been consistent on either end of the floor this year, but especially behind the three-point line. After what seemed like a breakout season last year, he’s regressed, and now, the Nuggets just aren’t getting the same level of production from him.
Braun’s dip in production hasn’t affected the Nuggets too much, as they’ve had some other guys to go to, but it certainly hasn’t helped. They’re still one of the best teams in the league, but if guys like Braun and Cameron Johnson were playing up to their own standards, they could be even better.
It’s just been a rough year for Braun.
Christian Braun isn't consistent enough for the Nuggets this season
So far this season, Braun has averaged 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 49.5% from the field and 27.8% from deep on 2.8 three-point attempts.
Almost all of those numbers are down from his 2024-25 breakout campaign. That year, he averaged 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 58.0% from the floor and 39.7% from deep on 2.8 three-point attempts per contest.
Braun’s minutes per game aren’t even down that much year over year. Two years ago, 33.9 minutes per contest to 31.3 minutes per contest this season.
But the worst part about Braun’s season is how inconsistent he’s been. One night, he’ll be the best player on the floor, but the next, he’ll struggle to make an impact.
Some nights, he’ll shoot incredibly well from beyond the arc, showing signs of the guy he was two years ago. But other nights, he’ll be left open and won’t be able to knock down his shots.
Opponents are planning for Braun
Teams will scheme around him, doubling Nikola Jokic and giving Braun space to shoot. But he won’t be able to make them pay.
And on the defensive end, it’s more of the same. Some nights, he’ll be great. He did a good job against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander not too long ago.
But then, guys will blow by him in an instant, putting the Nuggets’ defense in a tough position. It’s truly a toss-up what Braun the Nuggets will get on a night-to-night basis.
Injury issues have also hit Braun this season. He’s missed large chunks of time, and that’s undoubtedly messed with his rhythm.
But regardless, not having consistency from Braun has definitely gotten in the way of the Nuggets reaching their ceiling this year.