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Grading 2024-25 Season for Nuggets' Christian Braun at NBA All-Star Break

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated Feb 20, 2025 2:00 PM ET

After a slow start to the season, the Denver Nuggets have turned things around and look as though they are once again going to be a title contender this season.

Denver started the season off slow, winning just 11 of their first 21 games. Since then, they have been one of the best teams in the NBA as they currently sit third in the Western Conference standings with a 36-19 record.

The Nuggets also entered the All-Star break as the hottest team in the league. They have won eight consecutive games, which has caused them to climb the West standings.

While most of the praise for the Nuggets’ turnaround will go to Nikola Jokic, and rightfully so, Christian Braun also deserves a ton of credit.

Braun has been a solid role player off the bench for the Nuggets during his career, but his role has been increased this season, and he has taken full advantage of it. Of course, the Nuggets allowed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to walk in free agency, which allowed them to move Braun into the starting lineup.

The 23-year-old has thrived in his new role as he is currently putting together the best season of his career. This season, Braun is averaging 15.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 57.8% from the field and 37.3% from three-point range.

Braun has started all but two games this season for the Nuggets, but he had been moved to the bench with Russell Westbrook taking his place in the starting rotation. With Westbrook injured before the All-Star break, Braun returned to his starting role, but it will be interesting to see who head coach Michael Malone goes with after the break.

Either way, Braun has had a great season thus far and he could possibly see some votes for the Most Improved Player award. He will also play a major role down the stretch, especially with the Nuggets chasing another championship.

Midseason grade: A

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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