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The Denver Nuggets are coming into the 2026-27 season hoping to regain their status as one of the Western Conference’s contending teams following a disappointing playoff flameout in the opening round against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In order to do so, the Nuggets are going to need some of the players on the back-end of their roster to potentially have a breakout season and solidify their depth.
The Nuggets have quite a few young players on the roster who could conceivably make a big impact on the team. Spencer Jones is fresh off a new contract and job security after playing the past few seasons on a two-way deal. DaRon Holmes II’s rookie season was over before it began due to injury, but since then he’s been unable to crack the rotation. But one player who had already shown flashes during preseason and could be a potential draft steal is rookie Trevon Brazile.
Trevon Brazile poised for Nuggets breakout season
Yes, Brazile is a rookie and thus, does not have any NBA experience. He’s still a candidate for a potential breakout season considering he was passed over by every single team, some more than once, before being selected with the No. 35 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
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Brazile was originally drafted by the San Antonio Spurs, but had his draft rights traded to the Nuggets for Tarris Reed Jr. The idea that the Nuggets could have nabbed a steal was initially on display during NBA Summer League.
He suited up in three summer league games in Las Vegas, and averaged 18.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocked shots in a little over 27 minutes. He shot 45.5 percent from the field, 47.4 percent from the 3-point line and 80 percent shooting from the free-throw line. That momentum has carried over to the preseason.
Nuggets head coach David Adelman has given Brazile regular rotation minutes during all five preseason games, and even started him in place of Aaron Gordon in the preseason finale against the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 16. He 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 the 3-point line in 27 minutes.
Really bullish on Trevon Brazile's ability to contribute for the Nuggets as a rookie this season. His versatility as a finisher and defender, plus his athleticism, already make him a good fit for Denver, but if he can consistently knock down threes… whew pic.twitter.com/gcNjqeDrTl
— Finn Kuehl (@finleykuehl) October 17, 2026
His breakout preseason performance came just two nights prior against the LA Clippers when he finished with a team-high 22 points off the bench. He shot 8-of-10 from the field and 3-of-4 from 3-point range in team-high 25 minutes.
If this is any indication on how Brazile’s game will translate to the NBA, pencil him in for one of the All-Rookie teams. And there are two key reasons as to why this is such a welcome sign for the Nuggets. One, they can afford to get Aaron Gordon some rest. And two, it helps ease the loss of Peyton Watson.
Brazile is almost built in the same mold as Gordon is. He’s a versatile defensive player and good finisher in the paint. He hits the glass hard. And he’s showing the ability to be a stretch-four who can consistently knock down the 3-point shot. He’s also incredibly athletic on a team that has lacked youth and athleticism.
Normally, candidates for breakout seasons are players that have already been in the NBA, but for the Nuggets, it just might be a rookie for them. If Brazile does have a huge year, it would definitely be shocking for the NBA world considering every front office didn’t think highly enough of him to draft him in the first round. It’s likely his age and having played five seasons of college basketball played a factor. But they missed out on one of the most NBA ready rookies.
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