The Denver Nuggets are back. Media day kicked off the new season on Sept. 26, and head coach Michael Malone is ready to silence the doubters. They have arguably the best player in the world in Nikola Jokic. He gets compared only to legends, but losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency has experts doubting the franchise's title odds.
Malone and the Joker led Denver to a championship in 2022 and have made them an annual contender. The 53-year-old is becoming one of the league’s most underrated coaches as Denver is an afterthought in the championship discussion. The Nuggets remain an elite team but have new questions.
One of the biggest is who starts at the two next to Jamal Murray this season. KCP is in Orlando, and Denver has multiple young talents eager for more playing time. Fans want to know who starts, and Malone let them know in the opening minutes of the season’s first press conference.
Michael Malone eyeing Christian Braun and Julian Strawther for starting guard spot
Malone responded with this when asked about who the Nuggets plan on starting at the two.
Michael Malone on the starting SG spot:
— Adam Mares (@Adam_Mares) September 26, 2024
Its not just stats. What compliments the lineup?
Says both Christian and Julian will get a chance to compete for the spot.
This may have answered the question without stating it. Denver needs shooting with Aaron Gordon filling the dunker spot in the opening group. Strawther shot under 30 percent from 3-point range last season as Braun made 38.4 percent. Malone also offered this on Braun’s defense.
Michael Malone: “I thought Christian Braun’s defense on Anthony Edwards (in the playoffs) was really impressive.”
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) September 26, 2024
The Nuggets need a 3-and-D wing in the opening group. Braun will likely be asked to guard at the point of attack and space the floor on the other end. Strawther’s shooting would need to drastically improve to make him the right fit around the Nuggets starting five. There was plenty of talk about his offseason work, but going from below average to middle of the road is a massive ask.
It is worth noting two players Malone did not mention. The Nuggets signed Russell Westbrook this offseason, but the former MVP will be coming off the bench this season. His lack of shooting would be problematic in the opening group, but he is certainly the biggest name of the group.
Peyton Watson was also unnamed, despite being arguably the team's best perimeter defender. His lack of shooting would be problematic, but the Nuggets need Watson to play a crucial role this season. Letting him compete for the starting job may have been beneficial long-term, but it does not appear to be on Malone’s radar.
The Denver Nuggets have massive shoes to fill in replacing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. He played a key 3-and-D role on their championship squad but is gone. The franchise needs their young talent to step up and fans likely already know who is starting at the two this season. It certainly did not take long to find out.