Former Jayhawk Christian Braun Impressing Early in NBA Season

The Nuggets guard has made a massive jump in his third season

Nov 4, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images / Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

After spending three seasons at Kansas and finishing his Jayhawk career with a national title in 2022, Christian Braun was drafted in the first round to the Denver Nuggets.

A winner wherever he’s gone, Braun played a small, but influential role (15.5 minutes per game) on a Nuggets squad that won the 2023 NBA championship.

After a solid second-year that saw Braun increase his averages in every major statistic to 7.3 points, 1.6 assists, and 3.7 rebounds, the former Jayhawk has taken a massive jump through his first ten games of this season.

Now a starter, Braun's putting up gaudy numbers, and at an unbelievably efficient rate. Averaging 16.3 points, 1.6 assists, and 5.4 rebounds, he's shot an impressive 55.2% from the field, along with 50% from long-range (3.4 attempts per game). 

Braun’s role has been highlighted by his ability to run the floor in transition and finish at the rim - or in many cases, above it. 

Christian Braun can't stop dunking 💪 pic.twitter.com/boYvPhw6N6

— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 5, 2024

In the halfcourt, Braun has been an excellent cutter and spot-up shooter who plays well off Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. 

Christian Braun continues to look so confident at the three-point line pic.twitter.com/YNADZQeI0o

— Matt Brooks (@MattBrooksNBA) November 9, 2024

Defensively, at 6-foot-6 and 218 pounds, Braun can guard multiple positions and creates deflections (1.8 blocks + steals per game).  

Between the growth of Braun and consistent excellence of three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and star point guard Jamal Murray, the Denver Nuggets are off to a quick 7-3 start and appear poised for yet another deep postseason run. 

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