Sports
Christian Braun Proves He’s Ready for NBA Stardom in 2025

DENVER, Colo. — Christian Braun of the Denver Nuggets is experiencing a breakout performance in the 2024-2025 NBA season, positioning himself as a contender for the Most Improved Player of the Year Award. The third-year player has significantly elevated his game, posting averages of 15.4 points, 2.6 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game, a notable increase from previous seasons.
During his rookie season, Braun recorded an average of 4.7 points, 0.8 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game. Last year, those numbers grew to 7.3 points, 1.6 assists, and 3.7 rebounds, showcasing his steady development. This season marks a dramatic leap in his performance, coinciding with an increase in his playing time, which rose from 15.5 minutes to 33.9 minutes per game.
When reflecting on his growth trajectory, Braun’s prior performances at the University of Kansas illuminate his upward trend. As a freshman, he averaged 5.3 points per game, which climbed to 14.1 points in his final season, culminating in an NCAA Championship victory in 2022 against the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.
“Every year, I try to learn from the previous season and work on my weaknesses,” Braun said. “The goal is to continue improving and contribute more to the team’s success.”
Winning seems to follow Braun, who also secured an NBA Championship with the Nuggets in his rookie year, making him only the fifth player in history to accomplish that feat. He is the first to do so since Billy Thompson in the 1986-1987 season.
In addition to his personal accolades, Braun has been fortunate to play alongside three-time MVP Nikola Jokić, from whom he draws invaluable experience. “Playing with someone like Nikola teaches you a lot about the game and how to perform under pressure,” Braun noted.
Braun’s work ethic and competitive spirit are apparent on the court, where he plays with palpable intensity. This quality not only drives his performance but also positively influences his teammates. His recent performances included a career-high 30-point game against the Indiana Pacers, followed by a 25-point contribution against the Sacramento Kings.
As the Nuggets prepare for the playoffs, expectations for Braun are high. “I believe we have a great chance to make a deep run this year,” he said. “I’m ready to step up and help this team however I can.”
Given his consistent progression and the work he continues to put in, many analysts are eager to see how Braun’s talents will evolve as he maximizes his potential in the league. Undoubtedly, his journey has only just begun, and he is poised to make a lasting impact in the NBA.