Denver Nuggets wing Christian Braun made an early return this month after suffering a severe left ankle sprain, but his comeback was short-lived.
Braun appeared in three of four games before sitting out Denver’s last four contests, a decision that head coach David Adelman said was based on readiness rather than a setback.
Adelman explained that Braun didn’t aggravate the injury, but instead pushed himself back into action before his body had fully recovered.
“I watch him work out, and he’s going full speed. It’s just, he can’t do everything his body should be able to do right now,” Adelman said.
“And so I feel like it’s fair to us and to the player for him to come back when he’s really ready to play basketball, not just run up and down the court.”
While emphasizing caution, Adelman also praised Braun’s mentality and competitiveness, noting that his eagerness to return was no surprise.
“CB is tough. So him coming back as quick as he did off an injury like that is not surprising,” Adelman said. “And I think we have to do what’s best for him.”
Adelman added that the decision to keep Braun sidelined is being handled collaboratively.
“I do think it’s a group conversation. Whatever CB communicates, I 100% understand where he’s coming from,” he said. “That guy likes to play, loves to hoop. And he loves to win.”
Christian Braun Returned Too Early From Previous Ankle Injury https://t.co/3tImXJj8sC
— RealGM (@RealGM) January 18, 2026
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