Former Nuggets Points to Ex Teammate Christian Braun Getting the First 5 Nod as Start of Team’s Downfall

Christian Braun is just a role player for the Denver Nuggets, but according to his former teammate, a coaching decision centered around him may have been one of the reasons the Nuggets have struggled to go further in the playoffs.

The Nuggets won the NBA championship in 2023 after ending the Miami Heat’s miraculous playoff run. They attempted to run it back in 2024, retaining most of their rotation players.

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They finished the 2023-24 regular season tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the best record in the Western Conference at 57-25. However, they failed to defend their title, getting eliminated in the second round by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

So, where did it go wrong for the Nuggets? Former Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., who was part of the championship team, has a theory. He believes the team’s downfall may have started with Braun.

To be clear, Porter Jr. was not criticizing Braun’s talent or skills. Instead, he pointed to a coaching decision involving the 2022 No. 21 overall pick.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs Nikola Jokic
Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

“So Christian Braun is a really, really, really good player. When we won the chip, he was coming off the bench. He was a really big part of that championship team. But he moves to the starting two spot,” Porter said in the Curious Mike show.

Christian Braun’s talent was not utilized well

Braun started just 10 games combined during his first two seasons in the NBA. It improved during the 2024-25 season when he started 77 of the 79 games he played.

Porter Jr. believes his former teammate would have been more effective coming off the bench.

“[Caldwell Pope] is the three-point threat,” Porter continued. “Not trying to drive, not trying to do anything but catch it and shoot. So when they put CB in that spot, it was a little different dynamic ’cause CB’s a really good cutter, transition, but he’s not really trying to spot up and shoot.

Mar 10, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) looks to pass as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The Nuggets’ 2023 championship core eventually began to break apart. Porter Jr. was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in 2025, a move he has continued to struggle to come to terms with. Before that, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. KCP is with the Philadelphia 76ers now and has a legit chance to win his third title.

Now, the Nuggets are heading into a challenging 2026-27 season after losing Peyton Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Their biggest advantage remains three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who continues to give Denver a chance to compete at the highest level.

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