Locked On Nuggets - Daily Podcast On The Denver Nuggets AG and CB Return, but Nuggets Size is a Problem
Jan 5, 2026
The hosts dive into the Nuggets' tough loss against the Nets, exploring the impact of size without Jokic. They discuss the recent return of Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun amid ongoing struggles. Analyzing the team's growth and future outlook, they emphasize Jamal Murray's heavy minutes and the need for depth. With the Nuggets at DEFCON 4 due to injuries, the hosts debate potential roster changes and upcoming game probabilities, all while maintaining a hint of optimism. Will the Nuggets find their way back to contention?
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Injuries Explain Recent Slide
- The Nuggets' poor stretch is largely a result of injuries, fatigue, and disrupted rotations rather than a fundamental roster collapse.
- Matt Moore argues we must evaluate performance on a curve while key players recover.
Manage Aaron Gordon's Return Carefully
- Avoid rushing Aaron Gordon into starter-level minutes; manage his minutes and rotations to limit re-injury risk.
- Use controlled, shorter stints to ease him back rather than immediate full-time starts.
Christian Braun Needs Time To Regain Rhythm
- Christian Braun looked rusty after seven weeks out and struggled to find aggression without Nikola Jokic.
- Ryan Blackburn and Matt expect Braun to need time to regain rhythm and assertiveness.