Christian Braun is entering the Second season of his five-year, $125 million extension with the Denver Nuggets, but the contract has already made him a target for criticism.
After an injury-hit 2025-26 season in which he averaged 12.0 points per game and shot 30.1 percent from three-point range, Christian Braun has heard the questions about whether he can justify Denver’s investment. He missed 38 games after tearing ligaments in his left ankle and never fully regained his rhythm after returning. Braun, however, does not appear interested in avoiding the pressure that comes with his contract.
“It’s honestly good for you, every once in a while, to get punched in the mouth,” the Nuggets guard told The Denver Post.
For Braun, being written off is not necessarily a negative. He believes the same skepticism can ultimately benefit the Nuggets as they enter another season with expectations of competing for a championship.
“I’ve said it a couple of times. So it’s good for me to personally get written off. It’s probably good for the team to get written off.
Braun also made it clear that he does not share the doubts surrounding Denver.
“But like I said, I wouldn’t write a (Nuggets) team off that won that many games and has been there, has won a championship, has done all those things. So we’re excited. And obviously, we don’t really care what other people have to say.”
Christian Braun, Cam Johnson and the Nuggets at Red Rocks 💪⛰️
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Christian Braun knows the pressure behind his $125 million contract
He was one of Denver’s most important role players during the 2024-25 season, averaging 15.4 points per game while shooting 39.7 percent from three. His numbers dropped to 12.0 points and 30.1 percent from deep last season, while injuries limited him to just 44 appearances. That decline has made Braun’s upcoming season particularly important.
Christian Braun, though, wants to leave the injury problems behind rather than continue discussing them.
“Yeah, I think we’re going to put it in the past, and it’s not something I want to talk about anymore,” Braun said of last year’s injuries. “I’ve worked extremely hard to get past it and will continue to work on it, and (it’s) something that will continue to develop, continue to get better. So I’m not too worried about what other people have to say about it.”
His confidence in his ability to bounce back has remained intact.
“I know who I am and the player I am. I know I’ll bounce back and be right where I need to be next year.”
Braun backs Nuggets despite offseason criticism
Braun is also entering the season with questions surrounding the Nuggets themselves. Denver made significant changes to its roster, including the addition of DeMar DeRozan, while Peyton Watson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Jonas Valanciunas and Jalen Pickett were among the players who left.
Braun sees the arrival of DeRozan as another opportunity to learn from an established star.
“Really excited to play with another All-Star and learn from him,” Braun said of DeRozan.
He also remains confident in Denver’s front office and its ability to build a roster capable of competing for a championship.
“I’m always very confident in what our front office does and the team they’ll put together every single year.”
“I mean, we’re going to add enough pieces, obviously. As long as we have Nikola Jokic, as long as we have Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon and that staff, we’re always in a really good spot.”
Braun does not believe Denver’s championship window has closed.
“I’m very confident in us every single year, no matter who we put on the court. With those guys, we’ve got a chance to win a championship, and that’s what we’re here for – to win championships. So we’re excited. We’ve got everything we need, as long as we have those guys.”
Christian Braun reacts to Peyton Watson leaving Denver
One of the most notable changes for Braun personally is the departure of Peyton Watson.
“Very excited for Peyton Watson and everything he accomplished,” Braun said. “I mean, every single day that I’ve been in the NBA, I’ve been with Peyton. Every single day we’ve competed, we’ve competed together. We’ve done everything together. We’ve practiced every day together. We’ve done all the rookie stuff together. So Peyton’s my guy.”
The two also became close away from basketball, with Braun developing a relationship with Watson’s family and friends during their time together in Denver.
“Me and his guys, his family, his friends have gotten close (with me) over the last four years, obviously. And he’s a guy that obviously supported me at every step. So I’ll do the same for him, always.”
