Seven of the eight players that make up his rotation Denver Nuggets in the 2023 NBA Playoffs they have at least five years of league experience. The only exception is the beginner Christian Brownwho despite his youth (22 years old recently), managed to immediately win the trust of Michael Malone.
What leads to Brown getting rookie minutes, even in playoff clinchers? Keys below.
Christian Braun, a different rookie
After a outstanding career at the University of Kansaswhich included the NCAA National Title in the 2021-2022 seasonChristian Braun made the jump to the NBA and was drafted by the Nuggets with the 21st pick of the past Draft.
And unlike other rookies who had little ground under Michael Malone in Denver, Braun won Literally rotation minutes from the start. How did it happen? Not overflowing talent, but plenty defensive sacrifice, energy, transition scoring and good three-point shooting.
Neither more nor less, the same virtues that led him to stand out at the university level.
CHRISTIAN BROWN WITH THE STEAL AND THE NOOK 😳 pic.twitter.com/uJ0iSJLaKv
— Backcourt Alerts (@BackcourtAlerts) May 10, 2023
Braun has been in Malone’s rotation all season, playing 76 matches in the Regular Phase (6 of them as a basic). In 15.5 minutes he averaged 4.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, 50% from the field and 35% from three. Without the usual rookie highs and lows, but maintaining consistent input, with toughness and a lot of teamwork.
Of course, typically when the playoffs roll around, there’s rarely room for rookies. However, Braun also went against that trend, and while his minutes varied by opponent and situation, he remains a integral part of Malone’s second section. Actually, it was Denver is eighth in most minutes during the three-lap run to Finals vs. Miami Heat.
Bruce Brown and Jeff Green are the two pillars of the Nuggets bench. But when Malone wants freshness, young legs and defensive intensity, there’s Braun. Always ready to step in, do his best and help his team in their quest for their first NBA championship.
