In a lengthy interview with Mark Medina of Sportskeeda, Nuggets wing Christian Braun discussed a number of topics, including an opportunity for an expanded role in his second season following the free agency departure of Bruce Brown. When asked how Denver could mitigate the loss of Brown, Braun said he’s ready to step up to the plate.
“I was fortunate enough to learn a lot from him and from KCP (Kentavious Caldwell-Pope),” Braun said. “I was fortunate enough to be around guys who are similar to me in a lot of ways. Bruce and I are similar in a lot of ways, but we’re also different. We bring different things to the court, whether it’s defensive intensity, transition scoring or being a pest. We’re similar, so I think I can fill that role pretty easily.
“Obviously, he’s a great player and did a lot of great things for us in big moments, too. So there is definitely some expanding to my game that I need to do. But with watching him and his effort every night, I think that’s a big reason why he was so good. That’s also something that I’m really good at, so I think I will fit into that role well.”
As far as his goals for 2023/24, Braun said he’s more focused on helping the Nuggets defend their title than earning individual accolades.
“My goals stay the same,” Braun told Medina. “We’re no individual. We’ll make sure we win as a team. We’ll emphasize on starting off on the right foot, get the No. 1 seed and make sure everybody knows our goal is the same. We’re not satisfied with one. We’re trying to turn this thing into a dynasty. We’re trying to turn it into something consistent every year so that we’re consistently fighting for a championship every year.
“It’s not about my individual goals. I do know I’m going to have a bigger role this year. But I know what comes with that. I know we’ll compete for a championship for the next few years.”
Here’s more on the Nuggets:
- Veteran wing Justin Holiday is already making an impact with his new team and is pleased with his decision to join the Nuggets in free agency, writes Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports. “My game is made for the way the Denver Nuggets play,” Holiday said. “This organization is a championship-caliber organization. Obviously, they just won, but how they do things, what they expect from us, and that’s something I appreciate. After the organization, the players. No egos. You’ve got the best player in the world, the best few players in the world, and guys are cool on the court. They put you in actions with them.” Holiday signed a one-year, minimum-salary deal with Denver this offseason.
- Forward Michael Porter Jr. sustained a left ankle sprain during Wednesday’s practice and left the gym in a walking boot, Wind adds in the same story. A source tells Wind that the Nuggets aren’t concerned with the injury, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Porter rests a few days for precautionary reasons.
- After the Lakers said they were motivated by Denver’s trash talk after being swept in the Western Conference Finals, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone dismissed any friction and is focused on the present, not the past. “Oh, they’re talking about us? That was what, four months ago?” Malone said, per Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN. “I can’t speak for anybody in L.A., but if they’re still worried about us, that’s on them. This is a new season, a new challenge, and it was a hell of a series against them. I know it was a 4-0 sweep, but all those games seemed like they went down to the wire. We have tremendous respect for that team. I have tremendous respect for Darvin Ham as a coach and the job that he did. But yeah, I don’t listen to any of that stuff. I don’t know what they’re saying, and if we’re on their minds, then I guess that’s on them.”
- The Nuggets are focused on defending their championship by maintaining their strong work ethic and team play, according to Tony Jones of The Athletic. “If we want to try and be the team that can repeat, and the team that can be a dynasty, we have to have a standard of excellence each and every day,” Malone said. “And it’s going to be my job to hold the guys accountable when we’re not playing well.”
2024 NBA Champs
Could very well be. Jokic is one of the best players on the entire planet and Murray will only get better. As Gordon gets older Hill improve also.
Not sure about Michael Porter Jr, it seems he’s an injury waiting to happen and their bench lost huge contributors. I think Braun steps up but he was there last year so he has to provide what he did last season plus make up for a couple lost guys on the roster.
Denver Nuggets are the defending champions. I didn’t think I would ever say that but they was clearly the best team last year and deserves it. Christian Braun is a very solid young role player. Justin Holiday always been solid.
It’s been cute listening to LA whine and cry. After a 4-0 smack down the nuggets could have talked a lot more. Poor whittle cry babies Lebron, Davis & Reaves
What? That was last year. Focus on this season. Repeating is a lot tougher than it looks. Let’s see how the Nuggets bounce back now that they are the target. Not saying they won’t win again, but forget last year it’s over.
On the other hand I understand the gloating. Have to do it while you can and after winning the whole thing, that’s the best time. Best of luck. Not hating on the nuggets at all. I just think repeating is very difficult.
Focus on this season? Last season is when the smack talk took place. The nuggets barely even gloated. It was one line from a nuggets media member and a few lines from Malone. Davis, reaves and lebron are soft af
YOU are gloating. And that’s fine. But last year is over. And yes I’m not aware of any Denver Nugget gloating or Michael Malone gloating. And if they did, they deserved it they won.
Repeating is incredibly difficult and I doubt the nuggets will. Not sure what that has to do with anything
This year has EVERYTHING to do with it. Training camp is starting up.
In fact I think the article above that we’re both commenting on is talking about this year, and the players they have this year, and reshaping their roster this year.
I just want to say, people who are like “why are you upset about losing” and then they’re immediately upset about losing when their team does make me crack up laughing. It’s always funny.
Michael Malone and the Denver Nuggets have all rights to be cocky and arrogant. They dominated and have arguably the best player in the NBA on their team.
The raptors have the best player in the world
Agreed.
Why did the kings let Malone go?
There was no arrogance on the Nuggets part. It’s a fabrication of the mainstream media sports networks. Total fabrication by overpaid 24/7 sports commentators.
As far as repeating it comes down to 1) injuries: can we avoid them and 2) development of young talent which we have alot of.
I potentially see the bench as a stronger, deeper unit but, again, depends on how the abundance of young talent develops.
Well, if you know, the history, prior to last year, the Lakers had owned the Nuggets in the playoffs. So yeah, it felt pretty good. I’m sure to finally get that monkey off their back.