Can we get a little commotion for Christian Braun?

[famicommander]

Why stop there? May as well start a thread about every random role player from each playoff series

If we could get people to respond with actual thoughts, that would be AMAZING!

Braun is a 3 and D specialist who mirrors some of KCP's skills. At 6'7 with quick feet, he may be headed for the starting lineup next year, if KCP walks at the end of the season. Inconsistent offense is a concern but his defense is outstanding.

He'll never be the shooter KCP is, but he has much better ball skills (passing, handles), vision, and rebounding already. He can help you on offense in more ways than just hitting shots.

[Raps in 4]

He's their new Bruce Brown.

[Johnny Bball]

4 games in.... before that he's the 5th man out there and the one guy they didn't much need to guard or box out.

[TunaFish]

If we could get people to respond with actual thoughts, that would be AMAZING!

Braun is a 3 and D specialist who mirrors some of KCP's skills. At 6'7 with quick feet, he may be headed for the starting lineup next year, if KCP walks at the end of the season. Inconsistent offense is a concern but his defense is outstanding.

He'll never be the shooter KCP is, but he has much better ball skills (passing, handles), vision, and rebounding already. He can help you on offense in more ways than just hitting shots.

I have some memories of KCP when he came into the league as being a disappointment because of lack of shooting/scoring, though he could hit an occasional 3. Ironic how similar that description applies to Braun now. KCP got a lot better in time and I think Braun will as well, given the improvement in his game we are seeing now. Consistency is an issue but that is where he can improve with experience.

[Manimal]

He was horrible against the Lakers. Kudos for shaking it off and being a pro and coming to play when his number's called. Justin Holiday has done great for the Nuggets as well.

I feel like each playoff series is so optimized game plan and matchup wise, that it can really make a drastic difference in what kind of impact a role player can have and how well they play. This Minnesota team is a much better spot for Braun to make an impact than against the Lakers. Though obviously a big difference in how things appear is always going to be whether the wide open looks go down or not.

Holiday is a pretty drastic example, as he went 1-9 on threes vs the Lakers and so far is 10-16 vs Minnesota. But honestly it seems like he's had the same quality of looks the majority of the time, so it's hard to explain what's actually different for him. Sometimes guys just go through hot or cold streaks.

[dhsilv2]

He's their new Bruce Brown.

I like off ball movement and strength. But do you think he's that level point of attack defender?

[Chuck Everett]

He was horrible against the Lakers. Kudos for shaking it off and being a pro and coming to play when his number's called. Justin Holiday has done great for the Nuggets as well.

I feel like each playoff series is so optimized game plan and matchup wise, that it can really make a drastic difference in what kind of impact a role player can have and how well they play. This Minnesota team is a much better spot for Braun to make an impact than against the Lakers. Though obviously a big difference in how things appear is always going to be whether the wide open looks go down or not.

Holiday is a pretty drastic example, as he went 1-9 on threes vs the Lakers and so far is 10-16 vs Minnesota. But honestly it seems like he's had the same quality of looks the majority of the time, so it's hard to explain what's actually different for him. Sometimes guys just go through hot or cold streaks.

In the Lakers series, Braun had a rough go, but let's be honest why that is. First, the Lakers have two guys that are very difficult to defend without the refs blowing their whistles in Lebron (who is still too strong/elite for him) and Austin Reaves, who is another elite foul grifter.

The T-Wolves for as good as they are, if McDaniels and Alexander-Walker aren't hitting shots, then you can play Braun for longer stretches. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that the last two games is the first time in the playoffs that the Nuggets are playing with a lead for large stretches of the game. Might be easier for Malone to have a longer leash on these guys in that situation.

[Capn'O]

People who discourage basketball content on basketball forums should be ashamed.

I think there ought to be TWO threads on Christian Braun.

[BigGargamel]

I love Braun. The guy is a heck of a defender, works his but off and grabs rebounds and runs the floor. Hopefully his jump shot can continue to develop (I mean, he shot 38% from 3 during the regular season) but considering he was the 21st overall pick, I think they definitely got great value for that spot in the draft.

Braun and Watson have the ability to be two great bench pieces as soon as next year. Their defense and hustle is already there. Denver really needs an energetic backup big man, Nnaji ain't it, but unfortunately they resigned him long term so they're stuck with him. One of their rare bad decisions.