The starting lineup of the Nuggets and the player expected to replace Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have received a lot of attention. The team was dependable; they started the same five players for over two years, including their title run in 2023.
However, the starting lineup will need to adjust in some fashion because KCP left in free agency to join the Orlando Magic. Russell Westbrook, Julian Strawther, and Christian Braun were among the contenders for that last position.
It is possible for any of them players to start alongside Jamal Murray as the other guard. Braun seems to be the most sensible option. He fits the position perfectly and has the most Nuggets pedigree. Off the bench, he has contributed significantly to the team’s postseason minutes and has, for the most part, performed effectively.
Russ appears to be better used as a sixth player, although Westbrook has the most NBA experience. However, he is well past his prime and is best suited as a point guard, which would overlap with Murray. Being the best shooter, Strawther offers an intriguing option that would provide the starting unit much-needed spacing.
However, Strawther’s career as an NBA player is still entirely unknown, and Murray and Strawther in a backcourt combination would struggle to hold up defensively. Although Strawther has had a strong showing, his best position at this stage of his career is still certainly on the bench.
All indications are that Braun will start; Malone has essentially reiterated Booth’s comments during the preseason, as did Calvin Booth during the summer. Braun is very likely to be given the first opportunity at the position.
However, the early results haven’t been very promising. Though Braun has been a decent shooter when playing at a low volume, the Nuggets now need him to put up a lot more shots. Braun has scored just 31 points on 11/31 shooting through four preseason games.
The fact that Braun has only made one three-pointer in the four games is possibly the most worrying, though. The squad is in dire need of more three-point shooting, and Braun must contribute to that effort. However, out of his 13 efforts, only one has succeeded.Even while the sample size is still somewhat tiny, the Nuggets will undoubtedly need to make this adjustment in order to succeed. Braun appears to be a capable stopper on the perimeter and has had some good defensive outings. However, the squad might have to adjust and give Strawther a chance sooner rather than later if he is unable to make threes with consistency.
