Coach David Adelman said the Nuggets must add a true ball‑handler in May following their first‑round playoff loss, preferring to develop Christian Braun alongside Jamal Murray, reports Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette.
“It’s more about handling pressure and getting into a set so Jamal isn’t always forced to bring the ball to the corner and sprint back,” Braun explained. “Jamal can start in the corner; I can bring it up.”
Braun is entering the first year of a five‑year, $125 million rookie‑scale extension signed last fall. The 25‑year‑old hopes to deliver a bounce‑back campaign after an ankle injury limited him to 44 games in 2025‑26.
“I want to be the guy Jamal looks to when he needs the ball up front,” Braun said. “That will ease his load and preserve his legs in a late‑game playoff battle.”
We have more from Denver:
- Third‑year forward Spencer Jones missed Friday’s scrimmage with a hamstring tweak, Benedetto added. “It’s a small issue that could become big, so we’re careful not to push him,” Adelman explained.
- Two‑way signee Ryan Nembhard has already posted some of his best games at Ball Arena, Benedetto notes. The Canadian guard guided Creighton to the Sweet 16 in 2023, dropping 30 points on 13 attempts. He also lit up the Nuggets in Denver last December, tallying 28 points on 12‑of‑14 shooting, 10 assists and three rebounds in 35 minutes as a Mavericks rookie. “I felt they wanted me,” Nembhard said of Denver. “The winning culture here, the high‑IQ players, the great coach and organization all seem like a perfect fit for me.”
- To reach their ceiling this season, the Nuggets will need contributions from every roster spot, writes insider Chris Dempsey on his Demps and Circumstance blog. Dempsey argues Braun carries the biggest burden in 2026‑27, while labeling Alpha Diallo the team’s most underrated addition. For my money, Braun’s growth will decide Denver’s fate.
- Former two‑way player KJ Simpson was waived on Wednesday to open a spot for Nembhard. Forward Cameron Johnson will miss the former Colorado star. “Every time I was in the gym, KJ was there. In the weight room in Denver, he was always present and playing great in camp,” Johnson said to Benedetto. “That’s when business hits hard. He joined us last year, gave his all, and it’s tough to see him go. I wish him the best in his next opportunity.” Can the team turn this roster shuffle into a playoff push?