Shortly after the first round of the 2024 NBA draft, Nuggets GM Calvin Booth answered questions from the media, mostly about their trade-up and selection of DaRon Holmes II out of Dayton. But Booth was also asked about (at the time) impending free agent, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Booth essentially spoke as if KCP was as good as gone - which obviously proved to be true - and even went into specifics, suggesting that he would be replaced in the starting lineup by Christian Braun. This move would make sense as Braun plays a similar guard/wing type of position and can bring some of the energy and defense that KCP left behind.
Some uncertainty surrounding Nuggets starting lineup
But it was still a bit odd to hear the GM speculating about changes to the starting lineup in June, especially considering at the time KCP was still on the team. But now that he has officially left and signed with the Magic, many have assumed that Braun would indeed slot into the starting lineup at shooting guard.
Then on Friday night, as the Nuggets began their Las Vegas Summer League campaign, head coach Michael Malone was interviewed on the broadcast and remained noncommittal on the starting lineup. He explained that the starting shooting guard position is up for grabs and an open competition.
Julian Strawther may have a chance to earn a starting job
He went as far as to say that the spot won’t be given out, it will be earned and said that he has discussed this with Julian Strawther. A lot of this is likely coach-speak and pretty typical stuff. There’s really no benefit to Malone revealing his starting lineup, or any of his strategy with months to go before the season.
Surely every position is up for grabs to an extent, but there is one spot that clearly needs a new replacement. Braun has already proven himself in Denver, so he should have a leg up. But he’s also played well off the bench so maybe Malone decides to keep him as the leader of the second unit.
One could also make a case that the Nuggets need shooting in the starting lineup more than anything and Strawther could be the best candidate to provide that. Either way, we’re still months away from the season, but it’s just another piece of evidence that there is more uncertainty surrounding this Nuggets team than we’ve seen in many years.