The Denver Nuggets are coming off three straight losses after winning eight of nine games. They look disorganized, and their effort level has been poor. Aaron Gordon replaced Christian Braun in the starting lineup in their 112-122 loss to the New York Knicks. Braun was a bright spot in their recent resurgence, which led to them climbing the standings. Braun has shown consistent effort and production throughout the season, proving he deserved his starting spot.
Christian Braun has Earned His Spot in the Starting Lineup
Altering Lineup Chemistry
Although Braun was a bench player throughout his first two seasons, he has proved his worth in the starting lineup. He provides consistent offensive production while being a stout defender who gives 100% on that end of the floor. Russell Westbrook entered the starting lineup after Gordon suffered a calf injury. Westbrook has thrived as a starter, as the Nuggets won 18 of his first 23 games in that role.
Despite Westbrook’s good performances as a starter and creating a new dynamic duo with Nikola Jokić, it hasn’t been enough to justify sending Braun to the bench. Braun has responded positively despite the demotion. Braun has proven he has a strong work ethic throughout his career, and it’s likely the demotion won’t affect his confidence or play, but it will alter the chemistry he has built with the starting unit.
With over 800 minutes played alongside each of the consistent starters in Gordon’s absence, Braun has developed chemistry with all of them. He has a plus 80 plus/minus with Westbrook, Jokić, Michael Porter Jr., and Jamal Murray. Outside of Peyton Watson, who spent time in the starting lineup, Braun has less than 400 minutes played with every bench player. Although Braun will likely spend several minutes with the starters, he must learn to play alongside the bench unit.
The biggest issue with Braun going to the bench is a lack of playmakers off the bench. With Westbrook starting, the Nuggets have their three best playmakers in the same lineup. Although Michael Malone integrates bench players with starters throughout the game, having his ball-dominant players play together could develop into a problem.
A Career Season
Braun has nearly doubled his points per game production from last season. His promotion to the starting lineup allowed him to get easy shots as the fifth option, elevating his offensive production. He is averaging 14.3 points per game as opposed to 7.3 a season ago. His efficiency has taken great strides as well. He is shooting 57.4% from the field, 11.4% better than his sophomore season. Braun has become a reliable scorer despite only shooting 9.7 shots a game.
Defensively, he is physical and can guard most wings, alleviating some pressure off Murray. His quickness and physicality make him a tough matchup to score on, which is exactly what the Nuggets need to complement Jokić. With Westbrook, the Nuggets are surrendering defensive prowess for another ball-handler.
Not only is Braun having the best overall season of his career, but he continues to improve. January was arguably his best month, where he scored 14.5 points per game on 60.4/40.0/90.9 shooting splits. His 68.8% true shooting percentage in January ranks 12 among all qualified players.
Braun has shown consistent improvement and effort this season and earned his spot in the starting lineup. Although Braun lost his starter spot, his play could earn him back the spot if he continues the production he showed in January.
Photo credit: © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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