Bruce Brown, the Colorado-to-NBA success story, is in the news once more! He is going back to the Denver Nuggets, a situation that he believes is his best fit. Since then, Brown has played in 457 NBA games across seven seasons. He’s played for or under a plethora of teams and coaches, including the Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors and New Orleans Pelicans. After a thrilling free agency period, he came back to the Nuggets, and for good reason. His championship celebration did remind us all of the powerful connection he has to the team’s best player, Nikola Jokic.
Brown’s path home to Denver began after winning a championship with the Nuggets. This past season, he set career-highs across the board, averaging 11.5 points, 3.4 assists, 1.08 steals, and 28.5 minutes per game. His incredible performance propelled the team to victory. It further cemented him in the eyes of the league as a trustworthy and consistent shot. In a recent interview with Kate Winge, Brown talked about what it felt like to be a free agent. He conveyed an immense enthusiasm for rejoining a squad that appreciates what he brings to the table.
“When you find a place that fits you, you don’t want to leave.” – Bruce Brown
Brown’s bond with the Nuggets was on full display during their championship celebration night in Las Vegas. There, he jokingly dared Jokic to a shot-for-shot duel that created buzz on social media platforms. This moment showcased the camaraderie that exists within the team and served as a reminder of the strong relationships Brown has built during his career.
“Everybody’s seen my [Instagram] Live story of me going shot-for-shot with Nikola,” – Bruce Brown
There is more to Brown than just his competitive spirit, as he has welcomed some new experiences on a personal level since joining the Nuggets. He’s developed an unexpected enthusiasm for American headwear. On another day, he purchased two new pairs of dress shoes, which reflects a dramatic change in his life outside of the sport of basketball.
After his time with the Pacers, Brown was signed to a big-money, two-year, $45 million deal with the Indiana Pacers. Now, he’s gone back to Denver as a free agent. After all, he had previously shared the court with other elite talents such as Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden. He thinks even more highly of Jokic.
“I played with Kevin Durant. I played with Kyrie Irving, James Harden. And [Jokic] is the best player that I’ve played with,” – Bruce Brown
Brown recalls a watershed moment in a game against the Clippers. Jokic passed him the ball, thereby granting him a shot at a game-winning, buzzer-beating shot. Despite missing the shot, Jokic reassured him of his unwavering support.
“I don’t care if you shoot and miss that shot 100 times. Even if you miss 100 times, I pass it to you every single time.” – Bruce Brown
Brown takes this level of trust and support to heart. He thinks it really improves the atmosphere around the team. As Brown gears up for a new season, he knows that the biggest hurdle to overcome is the accountability of playmakers to one another.
“There are obviously a lot of [good] teams, but we know at the end of the season that the healthiest [great] team usually wins,” – Bruce Brown
His presence served to bolster his commitment to the team and their quest for yet another championship.
Looking back on his process, Brown was honest about the financial motivation that caused him to leave Denver for a short stint. He reiterated that his attachment to the team and city played a significant role in his decision to return.
“I left [Denver] obviously because I got paid really well; I didn’t want to leave,” – Bruce Brown
As he returns to the Nuggets, fans should expect to see plenty more exciting plays, like this one, from Brown. His experience and skill set ultimately make him the biggest X-Factor on Denver’s projected roster. As they attempt to win the title again, he’s key to them doing so.
The excitement surrounding his return was palpable during his reintroduction ceremony, where one enthusiastic fan exclaimed:
“Ladies and gentlemen. Boys and girls. Everybody get on your feet. No one sit in your seat. Yeah! Make some noise! Yee haw! And welcome back Brucey-B, baby! Bruce Brown!” – Kyle Speller
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