The Denver Nuggets can now sit at the champions’ table after defeating the Miami Heat in just five games in the NBA Finals.
Nikola Jokic capped off his incredible season with a Finals MVP award, but he wasn’t the only member of the Nuggets that made history.
Notably, rookie Christian Braun also entered the books by becoming just the fifth player to win the NCAA championship and NBA championship in consecutive seasons.
𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘.@Ballin25Braun, the fifth player ever to win an NCAA and NBA Title in consecutive seasons 🏆🏆#KUball x @nba pic.twitter.com/gwm2OGYVE3
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) June 13, 2023
Braun, a standout with the Kansas Jayhawks, played an instrumental role in their epic comeback to clinch the 2022 NCAA title, the fourth in program history.
He was taken No. 21 overall by the Nuggets and played his way up Mike Malone’s rotation, getting more run throughout the course of the season and even playing some crunch-time minutes in the playoffs.
And now that he’s also an NBA champion, he’s joined an elite list and very exclusive club also featuring Bill Russell (San Francisco, Celtics), Magic Johnson (Michigan State, Lakers), Henry Bibby (UCLA, Knicks), and Billy Thompson (Louisville, Lakers).
Braun became an instant fan favorite in Denver because of his hustle and energy on both ends of the floor, making winning plays and embracing his role by making the most of every single one of his touches.
He’s going to have an expanded role on Mike Malone’s team going forward, as they’re likely to let Bruce Brown go in free agency and will need someone to pick up the slack.
And with three straight high school titles under his belt, one thing’s for sure: Braun is a bonafide winner, and the kind of lucky charm you definitely want to have on your team.
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Video Shows Sportsmanship From Nikola Jokic After Winning Title