Watching Trevon Brazile save the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, you wouldn't think he was drafted in the second round. Yes, 34 players were chosen ahead of him in the 2026 NBA Draft, but he's already playing much better than many of them.
Is it too early to brand Brazile as the steal of the draft? Probably. However, given the responsibility he has shouldered for the financially constrained Nuggets, it's a safe bet he'll end up significantly outperforming his draft position once the season is all said and done.
Brazile is the real deal
It's still unclear why a lot of teams passed on the University of Arkansas product last summer. Possible reasons include his inconsistent play in college and extensive injury history, among a few others.
At least it turned out for the best for Denver, as he fell into the organization's lap at No. 35, which it acquired from the San Antonio Spurs along with two future second-rounders for the No. 26 pick, Tarris Reed Jr.
And what a godsend Brazile has been for the Nuggets. For a while on Saturday, it looked like they were going to start the regular season with a 0-2 record. Losing to the New Orleans Pelicans would have added insult to injury.
However, the 23-year-old rookie sparked his team's comeback victory, helping Denver erase a 19-point deficit in the fourth quarter. He made a substantial impact on both ends of the floor and scored seven of the team's 15 points in overtime.
Brazile filling out the stat sheet (17 points, nine rebounds, three 3-pointers, and three combined steals and blocks) wasn't a fluke either. He also had an impressive professional debut, registering four points and 12 rebounds against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday.
Among the cream of the crop of his draft class
It will be interesting to witness how Brazile's professional career unfolds. He is certainly a special talent, and his demeanor is perfect for a Nuggets squad that wants to contend for championships while Nikola Jokic is still in his prime.
Who would have thought the Nuggets would land one of the top rookies this year when they didn't have a high draft selection? Sure, Brazile may not turn out to be as great as the likes of AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, Cameron Boozer, or Caleb Wilson. But it wouldn't be surprising if he is able to secure a spot on either of the All-Rookie teams at the end of the season.
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