Aaron Gordon is an important piece of the Denver Nuggets. Perhaps the second most important player on the team, behind three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. Gordon makes the Nuggets better on both offense and defense, but he has to be on the court to make an impact, especially in the playoffs. Rest will be important for Gordon this year to keep him fresh. It should be easier for head coach David Adelman to get Gordon that rest after finding a more-than-capable replacement in Trevon Brazile during the preseason.
Brazile has been a revelation over the past few games, and he impressed again in his first start with the Nuggets in their 121-106 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in the preseason finale. With Gordon wearing street clothes, Adelman made the surprise move to put one of the breakout stars of the Nuggets' preseason into the starting lineup, and Brazile ran with his opportunity.
Brazile should start for Gordon whenever Gordon rests
Brazile scored 12 points on 5-for-7 shooting, including 2 of 3 from downtown, showcasing what has become a sniper-like three-point shot since he arrived in Denver this summer after the Nuggets selected him with the 35th pick of the 2026 NBA Draft. He's now 6-of-9 from deep in the preseason, after connecting on 47.4% of his threes with the Nuggets' Las Vegas Summer League team.
But Brazil has shown so much more than the ability to space the floor. Brazile was a nearly perfect replacement for Gordon in the dunker spot. Brazile's athleticism has been phenomenal, and he's a walking (or running) bucket around the rim.
Brazile is shooting a scorching hot 86.7% from inside the arc, mostly on the back of dunks and layups, and his 79.2% overall from the floor was the best on the team over the five preseason games. And with his lengthy 7-foot-4 wingspan and 41.5" vertical jump, the uber-athletic Brazile is a constant lob threat.
Brazile's defense is excellent
But it's not just on offense where Brazile has been impressive. He had two great blocks against the Lakers, and his 7 preseason blocks are more than double what any other Nugget finished the preseason with. He's instantly the best rim protector on the team, and he's collected three steals, including two against the Lakers. His athleticism and length allow him to recover quickly if he gets beaten, and he can get the chase-down block like he did against Darius Garland in the game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Brazile still has some learning to do about where he needs to be on defense at times, but that's something he can be coached on. He'll be fine as he develops this year, and the Nuggets need to use Brazile in the lineup and rotation more often as a replacement for Gordon so Mr. Nugget has a better chance of being fresh for the playoffs.
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