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After a disappointing first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Denver Nuggets are aiming to reestablish themselves as contenders in the Western Conference for the 2026-27 season. To achieve that, they'll need contributions from the deeper parts of their roster, particularly from young players who can provide depth and energy.
The Nuggets have several promising young talents, including Spencer Jones, who recently secured a new contract after spending previous seasons on a two-way deal, and DaRon Holmes II, whose rookie year was derailed by injury but has yet to earn consistent rotation minutes. However, one player who has already flashed potential during preseason and could prove to be a draft steal is rookie Trevon Brazile.
Despite being a rookie with no NBA experience, Brazile is a strong candidate for a breakout season. He was overlooked by every team, some multiple times, before being selected with the No. 35 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Originally drafted by the San Antonio Spurs, his rights were traded to the Nuggets in exchange for Tarris Reed Jr.
The notion that Denver landed a steal was first evident during NBA Summer League. In three games in Las Vegas, Brazile averaged 18.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocked shots in just over 27 minutes per contest. He shot 45.5% from the field, 47.4% from beyond the arc, and 80% from the free-throw line.
That momentum has carried into the preseason. Nuggets head coach David Adelman has given Brazile regular rotation minutes in all five preseason games, even starting him in place of Aaron Gordon in the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 16. Brazile responded with 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocked shots while shooting 5-of-7 from the field and 2-of-3 from three-point range in 27 minutes.
His most impressive preseason outing came two nights earlier against the LA Clippers, when he scored a team-high 22 points off the bench. He shot 8-of-10 from the field and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc in a team-high 25 minutes.
If these performances are any indication of how Brazile's game will translate to the NBA, he could be a lock for an All-Rookie team. This development is particularly encouraging for the Nuggets for two key reasons: it allows them to manage Aaron Gordon's workload and helps mitigate the loss of Peyton Watson.
Brazile shares a similar build and skill set to Gordon. He is a versatile defender and effective finisher in the paint, attacks the glass aggressively, and is showing the ability to be a stretch-four who can consistently knock down the three-point shot. He also brings exceptional athleticism to a team that has lacked youth and explosiveness.
Typically, breakout candidates are players who have already spent time in the NBA, but for the Nuggets, it might just be a rookie. If Brazile does have a huge year, it would certainly shock the NBA world, especially considering every front office passed on him in the first round. His age and five seasons of college basketball likely played a role, but they may have missed out on one of the most NBA-ready rookies in this class.
Originally reported by yahoo.