Christian Braun: Nuggets’ Rising Star and Strong Contender for Most Improved Player
Among former Kansas Jayhawks making waves in the NBA, Christian Braun stands out as one of the most exciting players to watch. Known for the same grit and toughness he showed at KU, Braun has become a key contributor for the Denver Nuggets, helping them capture the NBA championship in 2023.
This season marks Braun’s first as a full-time starter, and he’s made a massive leap across the board. His progress has turned him into one of the league’s most reliable role players, sparking conversations among fans and teammates alike about his candidacy for the NBA’s Most Improved Player (MIP) award.
Braun’s teammates have made their support clear, sporting shirts that read, “What Can Braun Do For You?”—a nod to his growing impact on the court. The numbers back up the hype: after averaging just 7.3 points per game last season, Braun has more than doubled that output to 15.4 points per game in 2024-25. His efficiency has been especially impressive, with his field goal percentage soaring to an elite 58.0%, placing him among the NBA’s most efficient scorers.
Despite these strides, betting odds from FanDuel Sportsbook place Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels as the favorite for MIP (-1100), with Cade Cunningham and Austin Reaves also ahead of Braun, who is listed at +15000. Though these long odds might seem discouraging, Braun is likely to earn recognition with several second and third-place votes from media members.
Whether or not he takes home the award, Christian Braun has firmly established himself as one of the NBA’s best glue players—someone who does the little things that help teams win. For Kansas fans, Braun’s success is a point of pride, remembering his vital role in bringing KU the national title in 2022.
The Denver Nuggets now turn their focus to another NBA Finals run, starting with their first-round playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, April 19. Braun’s continued growth could be a major factor as Denver looks to repeat as champions.
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