Bruce Brown admits adjusting to his Nuggets return feels "different."
The Denver Nuggets are riding high with a 7-2 record heading into their game against Sacramento on Tuesday, but for returning veteran Bruce Brown, the path back to championship contention hasn't felt quite the same as his first stint with the team.
When asked if this season has felt similar to his championship run in 2022-23, Brown didn't sugarcoat his response. "A little different. Still getting adjusted to it," Brown said. "Obviously when you come back to a situation where you were before you think it's going to be exactly the same, but it's not obviously. Only thing I care about is winning. We're trying to put another banner up, so I'm still trying to get adjusted to it."
Brown's honesty continued as he addressed his visible frustration during games. "Sometimes you might see me come out of the game a little frustrated just because I'm still getting used to it, but at the end of the day all we care about is to win."
Finding His Rhythm
The 29-year-old guard has been working his way back into form, averaging 6.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game through nine contests.
While the numbers don't jump off the page, Brown's impact goes beyond the stat sheet as he provides the defensive intensity and energy that helped Denver capture their first NBA title.
Brown's return came on a veteran minimum contract after he chose the Nuggets over other suitors, prioritizing winning over a bigger payday.
His integration has shown flashes of brilliance, including a 13-point performance against Sacramento earlier this season where he shot 5-of-10 from the field and knocked down both of his three-point attempts.
A Transformed Bench Unit
One major difference from Brown's first Denver stint is the significantly improved second unit surrounding him. After ranking 27th in bench scoring and 22nd in net rating last season, the Nuggets addressed their depth issues by adding proven veterans alongside Brown.
Tim Hardaway Jr. has been a revelation off the bench, averaging 11.4 points per game while shooting an impressive 46.0% from three-point range.
The 33-year-old veteran has scored in double figures in five of his first seven games and provides the instant offense Denver desperately needed from their reserves.
The additions of Jonas Valanciunas and the return of Brown give Denver's second unit a veteran presence that was sorely lacking during last season's second-round playoff exit to Oklahoma City. The bench that once made fans wince now provides legitimate scoring punch and defensive tenacity.
Road Challenges Ahead
The Nuggets will need Brown to continue his adjustment as they embark on a challenging three-game road trip starting with Tuesday's matchup in Sacramento.
Denver travels to Los Angeles to take on the Clippers before heading to Minnesota to battle the Timberwolves.
With Nikola Jokic leading the way with his typical brilliance and Jamal Murray managing through minor injuries, the Nuggets' improved depth will be tested on this swing through Western Conference competition.