Ron Gutterman

The Denver Nuggets welcomed three new players to their team during last week's NBA Draft. With the 21st overall pick, they brought in polished Kansas wing Christian Braun.

At No. 30, they selected UCLA product Peyton Watson following a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder. And in a trade with the Detroit Pistons, the Nuggets took Ismael Kamagate at the 46th position.

All three players bring unique skillsets, from Braun's vision and versatility, to Watson's athleticism and length, to Kamagate's shot-blocking prowess. But despite their differences as players, they all have the same mindset and goals.

At their introductory press conference on Monday at Ball Arena, each player discussed what they might bring to the Nuggets and why they're excited to call Denver home.

Braun spoke about the moment he was told the Nuggets were selecting him, and what it meant for the next step of his journey. "It was awesome to get that call from Mr. Booth and just kind of talk to him," Braun said. "He told us that I would be the choice for that pick and it was like a dream come true, it felt amazing."

Kamagate shared a similar sentiment. "Same thing here, a dream come true. I think we're all proud to be here and we can't wait to work."

When asked how he might help the Nuggets right away, Watson focused on the intangibles. "My length and athleticism, and the energy I bring to the game every time I step out... I'm going to bring energy from day 1 and I'm going to represent the organization to the utmost. I'm never going to take a day off or waste a moment here."

As for Braun, he believes his past success can be hugely beneficial for Denver. "I think that they liked my winning mentality and my toughness. I'm a guy that wants to compete on both ends of the floor," Braun said.

"I know they take pride in those things here. We want to win a championship and I think I bring those qualities."

These three players are at inherently different stages of their development. Braun is a three-year college player at one of the nation's best programs, and was instrumental in a national championship in 2022. He can easily contribute to winning basketball on day 1.

Watson, meanwhile, played just one year as a role player for UCLA, another blue blood program. His focus is largely on development, something he spoke at length about during the press conference. "I would just say, first and foremost, for me the player development. You guys see what they've done in the past."

Kamagate is a hugely polished product on defense, and next to Nikola Jokić, could quickly improve his offensive game. Perhaps he can slot in as the team's back-up center.

With all of this up in the air until the season begins, Braun reverted back to the main goal of winning it all. "They're in a spot where they're ready to win now. They've got a two-time MVP, they've got a lot of good pieces around him."

"I'm excited that we're in a spot where we can compete for a championship right away."

The "championship or bust" mantra has been publicly stated by Calvin Booth and Michael Malone. To hear it come from a recently drafted rookie essentially confirms the organization's mindset as they head into free agency and the 2022-23 season.

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In Braun, Watson, and Kamagate, Nuggets Focusing On 'Energy' And 'Toughness'

Denver Nuggets draftees Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Ismael Kamagate speak to the media at their first arrival in Denver. They were each selected by the team in the 2022 NBA Draft on Thursday, June 23.

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Nuggets Media Availability: Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and Ismael Kamagate

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Nuggets Dancers, Rocky Take Part In Denver Pride Parade

June is Pride Month in the United States, and with it comes the annual Pride Parade in Denver on Sunday, June 26. Taking part in the festivities is the You Can Play Project, a KSE partner celebrating their 10th year as an organization.

The You Can Play Project works to ensure the safety and inclusion for all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches and fans, according to their mission statement via their website.

LGBTQ+ participation in sports is an ongoing battle that You Can Play fights for. And according to You Can Play executive director Kurt Weaver, "KSE has been a longtime, and valuable partner for You Can Play."

"Our partnership has seen activities starting with pride nights early on and expanded into education programs for the front office and community surrounding all the KSE teams. KSE's focus on inclusion has also grown through the years of our relationship and become a core value of the organization."

Weaver could not have been more complementary of the work that KSE has done in conjunction with the You Can Play project, including a generous donation that will go towards various educational programs.

"The generous support and gift from&nbsp;KSE will be put to work immediately to support You Can Play's&nbsp;Inclusive Coach, Inclusive Referee and Inclusive Teammate education programs. You Can Play's team is working with high schools and community youth programs to provide these sessions, ensuring local teams and leagues provide inclusive and safe sport opportunities that allow everyone to play."

So when these partners in inclusion meet once again at the Pride Parade in Denver, it will be a symbol of another year creating a better situation for LGBTQ+ athletes.

"The Pride Parade in Denver is a perfect opportunity to celebrate our partnership and the work that KSE and its teams have done throughout the year."

"We take the time to celebrate Denver's local LGBTQ+ community and the organizations like Rainbow Alley, One Colorado Urban Peak; and their vital work in fighting for safe and welcoming spaces, mental health and supporting those in need."

"Marching for the day gives us the chance to gather and share; to see old friends and meet new ones; and most importantly recommit to our shared mission and ongoing work."

To learn more about the You Can Play Project, visit their website at https://www.youcanplayproject.org

To get more details on the weekend's Pride Parade festivities, visit https://denverpride.org/fest/

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KSE Continues Valuable Partnership With You Can Play As Pride Parade Nears

Denver Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth speaks about the team's selections and transactions in the 2022 NBA Draft.

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Nuggets Media Availability: Calvin Booth, NBA Draft Presser

At Thursday night's NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets selected Kansas Jayhawks guard Christian Braun with the 21st overall pick. Braun spent three years at one of the nation's top college programs, winning a national championship to cap his collegiate career.

Braun was pivotal in Kansas' championship run, playing 34.4 minutes per game over the 40 games played on the season. He averaged 14.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on 49.5% from the field and 38.6% from three.

One of Braun's best attributes is his defensive ability, something Michael Malone ensured would be a deciding factor in the Nuggets' selection. Braun excels off the ball, where he is capable of getting in passing lanes and forcing his way for rebounds.

He is also a strong on-ball defender, with his versatility allowing him to check players from the point guard to the small forward position. He may even have some success against smaller power forwards.

Braun is an intelligent player on the offensive end. He is not a primary ball-handler, but he can create for others with strong passing skills and has enough ball-handling acumen to lead a fast break or play a secondary initiator role.

In terms of his shooting, Braun is at his best in catch-and-shoot scenarios. Synergy clocked in his C&amp;S numbers at 38.3% in 2021-22. He is not quite as reliable off the dribble, but shouldn't need to be given the players he'll be sharing the floor with.

With Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr., it's rare that Braun will be forced to create for himself. He should be receiving plenty of open shot opportunities, and has done well converting on those in streaks.

As mentioned previously, Braun is a strong rebounder for his size. Averaging 6.5 per game despite only being 6'6", he uses a surprising first leap to overtake rebounds from taller players.

Braun slots in perfectly on this Nuggets team as an infusion of energy and versatility off the bench. He fits alongside just about every player on the roster, and should complement the team's star trio nicely.

If he's playing with Murray, Bones Hyland, Monte Morris, or Will Barton, he can roam the baselines, cut to the basket, and put himself in positions to score easily. Next to Porter Jr. or Jeff Green, he can provide another level of defensive versatility.

And above all, he gives Jokić another place to turn to on both ends of the floor when he's ultimately double-teamed by opponents.

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Nuggets Draft Breakdown: Christian Braun

Calvin Booth spoke with Altitude's Katy Winge and Chris Dempsey regarding the Nuggets' selections in the 2022 NBA Draft.

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Nuggets Availability: Calvin Booth at NBA Draft

The Denver Nuggets have traded JaMychal Green and a 2027 protected first-round draft pick to Oklahoma City in exchange for Peyton Watson and two future second-round picks, General Manager Calvin Booth announced today.

Watson spent his Freshman season at UCLA, and impressed teams with his versatility and high potential at the NBA level. Watson worked out with the Nuggets as part of a group workout.

It's unclear what role Watson can play in his rookie season, but his upside on the defensive end of the floor could make him an immediate impact player in Denver.

Watson, 6-8, 200, played in 32 games, averaging 3.3 and 2.9 rebounds in 12.7 minutes per game for UCLA as a freshman. He was named to the honorable mention Pac-12 All-Freshman Team and ranked second on the team in blocked shots (19). He also helped lead the USA Men’s Basketball U19 Team to the gold medal at the FIBA U19 World Cup in July 2021.

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Nuggets Acquire Peyton Watson In Trade With Thunder

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Come out to the Denver Nuggets 2022-23 Draft Party Thursday, June 23rd @ 6:00 p.m. at Tom's Watch Bar, presented by Miller Lite! 

Watch your Denver Nuggets make their pick, win team signed gear, and meet Super Mascot Rocky! For more information <a href="https://www.nba.com/nuggets/watch-parties">Click Here</a>