The day is finally upon us as the Nuggets will hold their media day on Thursday before beginning training camp on Friday. It’s time to get back in the gym and play basketball again. Well, after one more day of talking.
But this time it’s not talking heads, reporters, journalists, prognosticators, and hot-take artists; it’s the actual players, coaches, and executives involved. We’ve heard what just about everybody thinks of the Nuggets, now it’s time to hear what the Nuggets think.
As much as we wish the team would come in guns blazing, speaking their minds, and spouting off, they will most likely hold their mouth and stick to a script. We’ll see if we actually will get any spicy quotes or bold comments, but that would certainly be fun. And with the heat this team has faced this offseason, nobody could blame these guys for having things to say and wanting to sound off a bit.
Yet, that rarely happens. It’s much more likely that everyone will take the high road and we will hear a bunch of cliches and guarded comments. But for the sake of fun, let’s pretend that everyone was given truth serum and they’ll step up and be open books for the public. Here is a dream quote for all the key members of the Nuggets.
Christian Braun: “The starting lineup will be even better with me”
Someone is going to have to step up and fill the big shoes vacated by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. KCP left for Orlando in free agency and vacated a spot in one of the best starting lineups in basketball the past two seasons.
The most likely candidate to fill that role is Christian Braun. This has already been hinted at by both Calvin Booth and Michael Malone and it makes the most sense. Braun is a natural fit as a wing defender with energy and athleticism.
He’s not the defensive stopper or shooter that KCP was, but those are areas where he can improve. What he can bring is an edge and a level of pace and intensity that was lacking. He can speed the team up and help them get out in transition.
But he has to want it. It would be great to hear him step up to the podium exuding confidence. Let’s hear him let the world know that he believes in himself and this team and that swapping KCP for him is actually upgrading the lineup.