Christian Braun Uses Doubters as Fuel for Nuggets' Season
Nuggets guard Christian Braun says criticism of Denver's offseason and his injury-plagued year is motivating him.
Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun says criticism of the team's offseason and his own injury-limited campaign is providing motivation. Braun, who played just 44 games last season due to ankle problems, addressed the doubters in an interview with Sean Keeler of The Denver Post.
"It's honestly good for you, every once in a while, to get punched in the mouth," Braun said. He added that being written off is probably good for both him and the team, but he wouldn't count out a Nuggets squad with championship experience.
Offseason Changes and Confidence
The Nuggets saw significant roster turnover as they try to keep pace with Western Conference rivals like San Antonio and Oklahoma City. The team lost Peyton Watson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas from last year's group. Denver retained Spencer Jones by matching an offer sheet from the Oklahoma City Thunder and added veteran scoring by agreeing to a deal with free agent DeMar DeRozan.
Braun expressed excitement about playing with another All-Star in DeRozan and voiced confidence in the front office's roster-building. He stated his ankle is now healed and he is ready to move past last season's struggles.
"Yeah, I think we're going to put it in the past, and it's not something I want to talk about anymore," Braun told reporters. He emphasized his hard work to recover and his belief in bouncing back to the necessary level.
Northwest Division Roundup
Nuggets assistant coach Ognjen Stojakovic commented on the departure of Peyton Watson in an interview with Basketball Network. "Of course, losing someone like that, it's not easy," Stojakovic said. He noted the team must accept the loss and take the next steps to rebuild and find a path to a championship.
There appears to be mutual interest in a reunion between veteran forward Kevin Love and the Minnesota Timberwolves. According to The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski on the Talk North podcast, Love is "open to coming back to Minnesota" and the Timberwolves may have interest in bringing him back. Love, who began his career with the Wolves, is a free agent after playing for the Utah Jazz last season.
Krawczynski also published a full story examining the remodeled Timberwolves and the challenges facing coach Chris Finch after a summer of major roster moves.
Arena Deal Concerns in Portland
In the wake of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's severe penalties against the LA Clippers for salary cap circumvention, The Oregonian's Bill Oram is urging the commissioner to get involved in Portland Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon's negotiations for arena upgrades. Oram notes that three weeks have passed since the Portland City Council approved a term sheet, and city officials hoped for progress by Labor Day.
The columnist alleges that Dundon's lack of participation since then makes a deal by the December deadline less likely. Oram suggests this inaction preserves Dundon's option to eventually explore relocating the franchise.
