The Denver Nuggets have two architects of their 2023 championship team. Tim Connelly drafted Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray to build the foundation. Calvin Booth rose to his number two and took over as general manager in 2020. When Connelly left to lead the Timberwolves in 2022, Booth became the Nuggets lead decision-maker and pushed the team over the finish line.
Nikola Jokic is the best player in the world. Denver has championship experience and a ton of talent. They hope to repeat in 2024 and remain a title contender for years to come. Head coach Michael Malone knows how to pull the right strings, but winning a second straight ring is never easy.
Booth has taken the Nuggets to a new level since taking over as general manager. They reached the conference finals for the first time since 2009 months after he became GM in 2020. Denver won their first title in 2023, and Booth deserves plenty of credit. Here is a look at some genius moves he and the front office nailed since making the ten-year NBA veteran player their general manager.
5. Drafting Christian Braun
One of Booth’s first moves as lead decision-maker was drafting Braun with the 21st pick in 2022. The 6’6 wing was fresh off helping Kansas win the NCAA title in his breakout junior season. He played more than expected as a rookie, and the Nuggets are counting him on as a nightly rotation piece in year two.
Braun has produced 4.1 win shares so far, which ranks ninth in his draft class. Only one player drafted behind him with more is Walker Kessler. Booth found an undervalued wing who is now playing a key role for a championship contender. It was a massive acquisition, especially as the Nuggets try to keep their spending in check and stay in the title race.
Calvin Booth absolutely nailed his first draft leading the organization by selecting Christian Braun and trading for another young talent.