Predicting the Nuggets Lineups for the 2024-25 NBA Season

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was an integral piece of Denver’s success. As a prototypical 3-and-D wing, he was a perfect fit alongside the team’s four stars. Over the last two seasons, KCP shot 41.5 percent from three-point range, while providing quality perimeter defense.

Last season, the Nuggets were +16.2 points better per 100 possessions with him on the floor, per Cleaning The Glass. That ranked in the 99th percentile in the NBA. Only two players in the league posted better marks than him (minimum 200 minutes): Jokic and OG Anunoby.

Unfortunately, the Nuggets were not able to retain him during the offseason, as he signed a three-year, $66 million contract with the Orlando Magic. The front office explored big-name targets to replace him. The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Anthony Slater reported that the team had interest in both Paul George and Klay Thompson. However, no major moves came to fruition.

In July, head coach Michael Malone stated that the open starting spot will be a competition, per Ryan Blackburn of Mile High Sports

Braun is the logical choice. The 23-year-old guard has emerged as a valuable rotation player for the franchise. He is a good backcourt defender.

During the postseason, he backed that up, holding Anthony Edwards to 14 points on 4-12 shooting across 120.1 partial possessions. In addition, Braun’s three-point percentage improved to 38.4 percent last season.