10 biggest player option decisions of the 2023 NBA offseason
By Lior Lampert
Biggest player option decisions of the NBA offseason: 7. Bruce Brown
The ultimate Swiss army knife, Bruce Brown is a player that every front office, coach, and player wants to have on their side. He has played a major role in the Nuggets’ march to the NBA Finals since arriving from the Nets this offseason and figures to be headed for a major payday.
Earning nearly $6.5 million this season with a player option worth roughly $6.8 million, Bruce Brown has been one of the biggest bargains in the NBA. His versatility has been made abundantly clear when you consider the fact that he has been asked to fill a different role for every team he/’s played for.
Bruce Brown is one of the coolest players in the entire NBA. Enters as a point guard, starts to figure out his jumper with the Pistons, then lands on the Nets playing this inverted small ball center role, screening and cutting. Now it's a hybrid role with the Nuggets. So awesome.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 10, 2023
There is nothing Bruce Brown can’t do when it comes to making a positive impact on winning in the NBA. If a role needs to be filled for the sake of the team, Brown not only accepts that role but thrives in it. Whether he is coming off the bench or a part of the starting five, his presence is felt the second he steps foot onto the floor.
Brown plays with a relentless motor, high energy, and seemingly always knows where he needs to be on the court. Coming off a season in which he averaged 11.5 points per game, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, there is no chance Brown opts into his player option. The Nuggets will have to make a very competitive offer to ensure Brown stays in Denver.
Turning 27 years old in August, Bruce Brown’s free agency will be a major domino to fall. While he may not be as much of a household name as the other players on this list, real fans of the game know what Brown brings to the table.