not going to find that. But there will be times where you’ll see Christian Braun playing the same role,” Booth said. Brown was a key contributor off the bench for the Nuggets last season, providing energy and defense. Braun, a second-round pick in the 2022 draft, has shown promise during the preseason and is expected to earn minutes in the Nuggets’ rotation.
Speaking of the Nuggets, head coach Mike Malone praised the progress of forward Bol Bol during training camp, per Mike Singer of The Denver Post. Malone noted that Bol has improved both physically and mentally and has earned the trust of the coaching staff. Bol, the son of former NBA player Manute Bol, is a unique talent with size and shooting ability but has struggled to find consistent playing time since entering the league in 2019. If he can continue to develop and contribute, he could provide a valuable boost to the Nuggets’ frontcourt.
In Minnesota, Timberwolves rookie Jaden McDaniels is making a strong impression with his versatility and defensive prowess, according to Chris Hine of The Star Tribune. McDaniels, a first-round pick in the 2021 draft, has showcased his ability to guard multiple positions and has been disruptive on the defensive end. Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch has been impressed with McDaniels’ maturity and work ethic, and it appears he will have a significant role in the team’s rotation this season.
The Portland Trail Blazers are dealing with an early injury concern as guard CJ McCollum suffered a collapsed lung, reports Jason Quick of The Athletic. McCollum was injured during a preseason game against the Phoenix Suns and will be re-evaluated in a week. The Blazers will need to find a temporary replacement for McCollum in their starting lineup, with Norman Powell being the likely candidate. McCollum’s absence will be a blow to the Blazers’ backcourt, as he is a crucial scoring option alongside Damian Lillard.
In Oklahoma City, rookie big man Chet Holmgren had the opportunity to work out with Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant during the summer, according to The Oklahoman’s Jordan Davis. Holmgren spoke highly of Durant’s willingness to share his knowledge and said he learned a lot from the All-Star forward. The Thunder, who selected Holmgren with the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, are hopeful that he can develop into a cornerstone player for their franchise.
Finally, the Denver Nuggets will be looking to fill the void left by Bruce Brown, who played a valuable role off the bench last season. General Manager Calvin Booth acknowledged that Christian Braun, a second-year guard, will not be an exact replacement for Brown but will have opportunities to contribute in a similar role. Braun, a second-round pick in the 2022 draft, has shown promising signs during the preseason and is expected to earn minutes in the Nuggets’ rotation.
Overall, the Northwest Division teams are experiencing various storylines and developments. Bol Bol’s progress, Jaden McDaniels’ emergence, CJ McCollum’s injury, Chet Holmgren’s workout with Kevin Durant, and Christian Braun’s potential role are all noteworthy aspects to follow as the NBA season approaches.
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