The addition of DeMar DeRozan to the Denver Nuggets, it has raised questions about where he fits into this rotation. Because of the fact he only signed for $3.9 million for one season, the expectation is that he serves as a valuable bench piece, but some would say he deserves a starting spot. 

The Nuggets' projected starters consist of Jamal Murray, Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson, Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic, but a former NBA champion believes that Christian Braun doesn't deserve the minutes he gets with Denver. 

Robert Horry recently shared his thoughts about Christian Braun, calling him the "most overpaid player in basketball right now." He also went on to mention that he feels Braun has underperformed his contract, and the reason he was signed to a big deal was because of his production off the bench.  

"Y'all gave him that big bag, and he didn't do the things you thought he was going to do. The reason they love him so much is because of the energy he brought off the bench," Horry said. 

Last season, Christian Braun had a tough season. He finished the year averaging 12 points per game to go along with 4.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists after playing 31.8 minutes per game. He also had a tough year shooting the ball from long-range, as he shot 30.1 percent from three-point range. 

When looking at DeRozan's last season, it was clear he still has the ability to be a prolific scorer. In 2025-2026, he averaged 18.4 points per game and shot slightly better than Braun from long range. 

In the past, DeRozan has been one of the league's most reliable scorers as well. He averages a career 21.1 points per game, and he's known to be one of the best mid-range shooters in NBA history. 

For Christian Braun to secure his starting spot moving forward, he will need to start the season on the right track. If Braun continues to struggle as the season progresses, there will be tough conversations about his role on the team. 

Early in the offseason, Braun was one of the pieces who was rumored to be traded away by the Nuggets because of his down year and quiet playoff run. If Christian Braun can find himself back to where he was when the Nuggets won the NBA Championship in 2023, it adds security for him and makes Denver a better team.