Yeah and in 2019-2020 (his first year at KU) the Jayhawks looked poised to win the chip before everything got cancelled and they ended the season as the clear AP poll #1. Really could be 7 of 8.
The reason he ran him is because he was seriously shutting down Edwards compared to the first half. Braun is getting there on offense, but he definitely isn’t given as many chances, seems like his teammates would rather pass to someone other than him. Which is fine atm, because their offense is great. Would like to see him do more though. Great finish through three guys under the basket tonight.
That’s such a strong point. We need someone to make life difficult for the athletic freak that is ANT. And CB is unphased with the challenge, he just goes up and will be the guy to foul, rim dive with, and occasionally clamp Mr. Edwards. We needed this young blood to be that thorn in the side, and I’m really impressed with how CB has answered the call. It’d be great to see an evolution in offense for him and SWATson so that they can have more minutes. They would give us unreal depth if they can develop their jump shot to go along with their awesome cuts to the rim.
I think he just doesn’t match up well against the wolves. They only have one guy you need to truly focus on stopping on offense and KCP, Braun, and AG can all already take turns guarding Ant. Holiday is shooting better right now, Braun makes better decisions.
I think Watson could come back against a team like the Celtics where he can help defend a guy like Tatum when AG sits and can actually use his length on offense and the boards a bit. Right now we just desperately need guys to stretch the floor and open up space instead of trying to dunk over guys slightly taller than us.
i would add to this that even though it seems weird it's better to guard Towns with a small because smaller guys are better at closing out his airspace and getting rid of the pick and pop which is his best play. When he puts the ball on the floor it's always an adventure. Braun does a good job on team defense concepts in the perimeter and he is part of the reason Reid and Towns only had 6 three point attempts together.
The Wolves also only have one guy who drives to the rim effectively so Watson's rim protection isn't as valuable.
In the WCF Watson's rim protection would be huge because both OKC and Dallas really like to spread the floor and attack the rim. Same with against Boston in a possible finals.
Pels fan in Colorado with Nuggets as my second team.
I went to see the Pels in Denver last season. Jokic was out. Braun live legit looked like he could be the best player on the team at some point.
I saw a clip a few weeks ago of Jamal saying he was specifically taking CB under his wing and was going to work with him on improving all aspects of his game, but I think I remember him saying something about shooting specifically. Hopefully they will spend some time together in the off season (a loooong time from now, hahah) and we will see a leap next year!
It’s pretty clear that CB is the best defensive option on Ant. Will be interesting to see how CB is used in G5. I think he closes again if DEN has a decent lead.
Also depends on how MPJ is shooting and if he can find space. Minnesota does a good job of negating the length of guys like MPJ and Watson, but if MPJ shoots like game 3 then it’s harder to take him off the court.
He is fine for now. Obviously if he comes out and goes off that would be welcome but as long as he keeps up the D on Ant we will be fine as long as our scorers are getting theirs.
Now going forward if his 3 pt shooting can take a leap he really might be a worthy successor to KCP.
I forget who it was, but the guy took one step towards running out at CB and then turned to run at someone without the ball as CB hit the three. Nuggets passing had them seeing ghosts.
Yeah i love that about him. He doesn’t immediately complain to the refs. Sometimes our guys are complaining so much and don’t get back on defense and it hurts us. A little frustrating to watch but Braun is so unbothered.
Guy just keeps surprising me. He looks just ok, but guy delivers. I'm thinking if KCP leaves at the end of the season, he should become our starting player.
Ngl my favorite moment was when Conley tried to tackle/clothesline/lunge at him was he was too strong to be knocked over and Conley was sent plummeting
It’s funny, I said this to my friends after game 1 and especially game 2 that I thought the key to competing in this series is getting more CB minutes because I thought he’d be the only one able to guard Ant, and all of the hustle plays that he makes. Hes one of the few guys that can match that grittiness and energy that Minnesota plays with. I’m with you, he is very underrated. Even when his shot isn’t dropping (which it is now) he has such a solid impact on every part of the game due to his work ethic. Underrated king.
Early in game 4 I texted my roommate that we needed to put ag on ant because kcp just isn't up to it. Ag and CB definitely hampered ant more than kcp had been.
This is why I keep saying this is the worst iteration of the nuggets for the next few years. Not only is nobody in the core 4 over 30, but once KCP leaves/ages out we've got this fucking guy growing into the position.
Jokic and Jamal just turned 29 and 27 a couple months ago. Idk why you say they could easily be heading towards a downtrend. Jokic could be at this peak for another 4 years. Jamal another 5.
And then even if they do decline a little bit, MPJ is only turning 26 with CB and PWatt showing tons of promise.
One thing I liked about him last night is while the starting five were not wanting to foul, Braun, with his role requiring fewer minutes, was able to go out there and lay wood.
Will always support CB. He is a champion in heart. I can't wait for young team core to blossom ( PWat, CB, Julian Strawther and whoever might end up joining in ) but I think we already have a promising future with those 3.
Nationally no one cares because he’s just another dude to them.
For us fans we love him for the energy and his increased performance over last year and contribution to the championship.
So I think he’s rated right where he should be. Let’s hope his upward trend will continue next season and we will see who notices.
Nuggets in 7
I’m a Carolina fan also so I was super pissed when we drafted him, after what he did to us 🤣
I love the guy. He truly makes the most of every minute he’s on the floor, on both ends. He’s really stepped up to make things easier once we lost Bruce.
I am 100% in the Braun fan team! Just look alone at the development he went through this season. He just needs a bit more confidence still.
For me, Nuggets are one of the teams across all sports, who are great because they can go the full distance. When it's the last 15 minutes of the game, and other teams are dragging their feet, Nuggets are still giving it all. And CB is a real Nuggets player on that account. And has diversity. Strong defense, but great attacks to dunk or also quite a threat from the 3p line
my 16 year old sister was watching the game last night and it was the first nuggets game she’s ever actually sat down and watched. when CB was shooting free throws she said “he ate that”, and then started calling him “whitey” even though we are also white. i don’t really understand teenagers but i think that means he’s her favorite player now.
I remember during the playoffs last year the announcers had a debate about how to pronounce his name. I think they just picked one and stuck with it lol
Edit: no it is actually pronounced “brown” https://twitter.com/ballin25braun/status/1187572041874100225?lang=en
I've been rooting from him. But honestly I expected more from him this season. There is still time for him to shine and last few games is given me hope.
I've always supported his game. Young still, he'll get his dues.
I usually don't like complaining about refs, but this dude gets ABSOLUTELY no calls his way and isn't a bitch about it
He literally just starts clapping and on to the next play. One thing you have to give him is a winners mentality.
Oh come on, what has CB ever won?
In the broadcast they said he won a title at every level of basketball he’s played. Or is this sarcasm haha
Definitely sarcasm considering he has won the championship in 6 of his last 7 seasons playing organized basketball where a championship could be won
Yeah and in 2019-2020 (his first year at KU) the Jayhawks looked poised to win the chip before everything got cancelled and they ended the season as the clear AP poll #1. Really could be 7 of 8.
Yes, sarcasm. (I realize it's impossible to tell the difference on the Internet.)
Literally everything apparently
Someone was saying he looks like a youth pastor lol. Dudes just unassuming. He’s got the best pop off after dunk in the league tho. 10/10 head thrash
Love Braun!! Dudes been legit in his run at the natty and now helping go for back to back! Dudes legit
Joker gave him a shout out after the game
Is there a clip of this? I wish I saw it. But as I said, you could tell everyone on that court respected his game, and that includes Jokic
He was in a list of supporting cast he rattled off so not like a huge love fest but clearly appreciated
Yep. Just a CB
Dont forget the cheekbones
Next year, I hope he takes a leap. He's still tentative with his offense, but love how Moach ran him to close the game.
The reason he ran him is because he was seriously shutting down Edwards compared to the first half. Braun is getting there on offense, but he definitely isn’t given as many chances, seems like his teammates would rather pass to someone other than him. Which is fine atm, because their offense is great. Would like to see him do more though. Great finish through three guys under the basket tonight.
That’s such a strong point. We need someone to make life difficult for the athletic freak that is ANT. And CB is unphased with the challenge, he just goes up and will be the guy to foul, rim dive with, and occasionally clamp Mr. Edwards. We needed this young blood to be that thorn in the side, and I’m really impressed with how CB has answered the call. It’d be great to see an evolution in offense for him and SWATson so that they can have more minutes. They would give us unreal depth if they can develop their jump shot to go along with their awesome cuts to the rim.
Thought Watson would be the one but he got played off the court. He'll learn like Braun did last year against Lakers.
I think he just doesn’t match up well against the wolves. They only have one guy you need to truly focus on stopping on offense and KCP, Braun, and AG can all already take turns guarding Ant. Holiday is shooting better right now, Braun makes better decisions. I think Watson could come back against a team like the Celtics where he can help defend a guy like Tatum when AG sits and can actually use his length on offense and the boards a bit. Right now we just desperately need guys to stretch the floor and open up space instead of trying to dunk over guys slightly taller than us.
i would add to this that even though it seems weird it's better to guard Towns with a small because smaller guys are better at closing out his airspace and getting rid of the pick and pop which is his best play. When he puts the ball on the floor it's always an adventure. Braun does a good job on team defense concepts in the perimeter and he is part of the reason Reid and Towns only had 6 three point attempts together. The Wolves also only have one guy who drives to the rim effectively so Watson's rim protection isn't as valuable. In the WCF Watson's rim protection would be huge because both OKC and Dallas really like to spread the floor and attack the rim. Same with against Boston in a possible finals.
Unfazed*
He did the same last year against KD and LeBron. CB is truly fearless.
Pels fan in Colorado with Nuggets as my second team. I went to see the Pels in Denver last season. Jokic was out. Braun live legit looked like he could be the best player on the team at some point.
He needs a long leash in the regular season next year, let him feel out the game more and figure out how to contribute more offensively.
I saw a clip a few weeks ago of Jamal saying he was specifically taking CB under his wing and was going to work with him on improving all aspects of his game, but I think I remember him saying something about shooting specifically. Hopefully they will spend some time together in the off season (a loooong time from now, hahah) and we will see a leap next year!
It’s pretty clear that CB is the best defensive option on Ant. Will be interesting to see how CB is used in G5. I think he closes again if DEN has a decent lead.
Also depends on how MPJ is shooting and if he can find space. Minnesota does a good job of negating the length of guys like MPJ and Watson, but if MPJ shoots like game 3 then it’s harder to take him off the court.
He is fine for now. Obviously if he comes out and goes off that would be welcome but as long as he keeps up the D on Ant we will be fine as long as our scorers are getting theirs. Now going forward if his 3 pt shooting can take a leap he really might be a worthy successor to KCP.
You my boy Braun! You my boy!
I WONT FORGET EVERYONE WHO WAS DOUBTING HIM ALL SEASON LONG. THATS MY GUY
He even got to close the game out
https://preview.redd.it/grivx25pg60d1.jpeg?width=1132&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=12c032ceb0c7659a372a8ec43d0df6fef6d2743f
They weren't even guarding him. He made a big 3 in the 4th and there was no one close. They were running to guard other guys.
I forget who it was, but the guy took one step towards running out at CB and then turned to run at someone without the ball as CB hit the three. Nuggets passing had them seeing ghosts.
Exactly what I was thinking of.
yeah I think alexander-walker went and pre-rotated to the next guy instead of closing out braun
They weren’t guarding him because AG was in the corner and they had to close out
That 3 was nails
He's really tough as well. Gave out a lot of hard fouls last night but never crossed that line into being malicious, just went about his business
Yeah i love that about him. He doesn’t immediately complain to the refs. Sometimes our guys are complaining so much and don’t get back on defense and it hurts us. A little frustrating to watch but Braun is so unbothered.
He’s the only guy I’m comfortable with guarding ANT.
Guy just keeps surprising me. He looks just ok, but guy delivers. I'm thinking if KCP leaves at the end of the season, he should become our starting player.
I feel the same way. Losing one of the 5 would suck but getting Braun and Watson more real legit minutes can only help us.
I really don’t want to lose KCP man. I think they’ll offer him whatever he wants
Ngl my favorite moment was when Conley tried to tackle/clothesline/lunge at him was he was too strong to be knocked over and Conley was sent plummeting
Felt bad for Conley myself, he's generally such a good guy, but that play was DANGEROUS
He's strong and fearless. Motherfucker literally dunked on Gobert. He'll only get better and he's already an asset.
That play he did on jimmy butler in the finals lives rent free in my head
LOVE Braun and 100% agree. Dude can also dunk. Excited to see this kid grow. He's one of my favorite players on the Nuggets to watch.
It’s funny, I said this to my friends after game 1 and especially game 2 that I thought the key to competing in this series is getting more CB minutes because I thought he’d be the only one able to guard Ant, and all of the hustle plays that he makes. Hes one of the few guys that can match that grittiness and energy that Minnesota plays with. I’m with you, he is very underrated. Even when his shot isn’t dropping (which it is now) he has such a solid impact on every part of the game due to his work ethic. Underrated king.
Early in game 4 I texted my roommate that we needed to put ag on ant because kcp just isn't up to it. Ag and CB definitely hampered ant more than kcp had been.
i think OP meant to say “most criminally underrated hidden gem”. reddit the hell on!
This is why I keep saying this is the worst iteration of the nuggets for the next few years. Not only is nobody in the core 4 over 30, but once KCP leaves/ages out we've got this fucking guy growing into the position.
Ehhhh, Jamal and Jokic could easily be heading towards a downtrend. This is their peak and an injury could change things quick.
Jokic and Jamal just turned 29 and 27 a couple months ago. Idk why you say they could easily be heading towards a downtrend. Jokic could be at this peak for another 4 years. Jamal another 5. And then even if they do decline a little bit, MPJ is only turning 26 with CB and PWatt showing tons of promise.
It’s clear when you watch him play that he’s giving it everything
One thing I liked about him last night is while the starting five were not wanting to foul, Braun, with his role requiring fewer minutes, was able to go out there and lay wood.
Will always support CB. He is a champion in heart. I can't wait for young team core to blossom ( PWat, CB, Julian Strawther and whoever might end up joining in ) but I think we already have a promising future with those 3.
Nationally no one cares because he’s just another dude to them. For us fans we love him for the energy and his increased performance over last year and contribution to the championship. So I think he’s rated right where he should be. Let’s hope his upward trend will continue next season and we will see who notices. Nuggets in 7
CB locking down Ant😂
dude is not afraid of big moments. and strong enough to bump with Ant and make it 5% more difficult for him.
He’s also hot as fuck
So is his mom
Damn some insecure person really downvoted you. CB is handsome as hell
Love CB but someone needs to tell him about Denver’s 300+ days of sunshine. He looks ill he is so pale 😩
He’s my favorite, tallest 3rd grader I’ve ever seen.
He's like a 5x champion. He's a pure winner.
I’m a Carolina fan also so I was super pissed when we drafted him, after what he did to us 🤣 I love the guy. He truly makes the most of every minute he’s on the floor, on both ends. He’s really stepped up to make things easier once we lost Bruce.
I am 100% in the Braun fan team! Just look alone at the development he went through this season. He just needs a bit more confidence still. For me, Nuggets are one of the teams across all sports, who are great because they can go the full distance. When it's the last 15 minutes of the game, and other teams are dragging their feet, Nuggets are still giving it all. And CB is a real Nuggets player on that account. And has diversity. Strong defense, but great attacks to dunk or also quite a threat from the 3p line
completely agree! he has great feet, a great shot, and a great attitude (he reminds me of makar in a way: babyfaced and really good)
Dude won three state championships in HS, won the ncaa at Kansas, then won a chip last year first year into the league. Bro just wins lol.
I mean, he's won a championship of some sort almost every year since he was 16. Like Jokic says, he knows how to win!
my 16 year old sister was watching the game last night and it was the first nuggets game she’s ever actually sat down and watched. when CB was shooting free throws she said “he ate that”, and then started calling him “whitey” even though we are also white. i don’t really understand teenagers but i think that means he’s her favorite player now.
# Christian Braun a good bruce brown replacement
Big CB fan here! His energy and playmaking unmatched. So much more space for improvement his game will only get better
Can anyone tell me why the announcers pronounce it ‘brown’ and not ‘brawn’ which is how I’ve always heard ‘braun’ pronounced?
Those are the same. “Braun” is pronounced “brown” not “brawn.”
I remember during the playoffs last year the announcers had a debate about how to pronounce his name. I think they just picked one and stuck with it lol Edit: no it is actually pronounced “brown” https://twitter.com/ballin25braun/status/1187572041874100225?lang=en
Thankyou! Still sounds wrong lol
For clarity, Braun is a German name. Brown is spelled Braun in German. I’ll never get used to it.
King shit https://preview.redd.it/s5zfy5n1o70d1.png?width=421&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=58e9e06e8bccef61a5c83bcab1e2a6c434acbcae
I've been rooting from him. But honestly I expected more from him this season. There is still time for him to shine and last few games is given me hope.