The Denver Nuggets have found success despite missing key players Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, thanks to standout performances from GM Calvin Booth’s recent first-round draft picks. Their contributions have powered Denver to a three-game winning streak.
Peyton Watson, drafted 30th overall in 2022, stepped up defensively with a critical block against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the Nuggets’ narrow 124-122 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Filling in for Gordon, the 21-year-old recorded three blocks, a steal, and scored 10 points, finishing at +7 in his 34 minutes.
Christian Braun, picked nine spots ahead of Watson, has become a vital piece, filling the void left by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Braun is now averaging 16 points per game while shooting an impressive 46.4% from beyond the arc. In Wednesday’s game, he posted 24 points and eight rebounds, complementing Nikola Jokic’s incredible 23-point, 20-rebound, 16-assist triple-double. Braun has been shooting 8-for-14 from three-point range during the win streak, averaging 19.3 points and contributing five steals.
Another young talent, Julian Strawther, Denver’s No. 29 pick in 2023, has also emerged as a crucial asset. He notched 19 points in 19 minutes in a win over the Utah Jazz, finishing +12. While his shot was off Wednesday, his playmaking and hustle kept him impactful with six assists, five rebounds, and a +12 rating.
With Gordon out for weeks and Murray still recovering, these young players’ development has shifted from a hopeful bonus to a necessity. Even Hunter Tyson, last year’s No. 37 pick, has added depth, playing 59 minutes over the past three games, more than he played in his entire rookie season.
On Wednesday, Denver’s young trio contributed a combined 98 minutes, fueling the team’s biggest win this season. With Jokic leading the way, the Nuggets’ path back to the Finals may depend heavily on the continued rise of their 2022 and 2023 draft classes.
