Denver Nuggets’ New Starting Five with Bruce Brown Jr. and Cam Johnson Could Elevate Jokic to a Third MVP Season

The Denver Nuggets have quietly retooled their starting lineup heading into the 2025-26 NBA season, building a mix of continuity, defense, and offensive spacing around their two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. With Jamal Murray leading the backcourt, Christian Braun stepping into a more prominent scoring role, Bruce Brown Jr. making a highly anticipated return to the Mile High City, and sharpshooting forward Cameron Johnson stretching the floor at the four, the Nuggets appear primed for another deep postseason run—if not a full-blown resurgence to championship glory.

This projected starting five is built on both familiarity and strategic enhancements. The return of Bruce Brown Jr. via free agency was a move that surprised many around the league. Brown was a beloved member of the Nuggets’ 2023 championship squad and played a pivotal role in their playoff dominance. After spending time with the Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets, Brown returns to Denver with a richer offensive arsenal, a better perimeter shot, and the same gritty defense that made him a fan favorite.

Pairing Brown back with Jamal Murray brings a layer of two-way versatility to the guard positions. Murray, whose postseason heroics and chemistry with Jokic are already legendary, now has a guard partner capable of guarding multiple positions while also contributing as a secondary ball handler and slasher. That dynamic duo in the backcourt gives Denver the ability to switch on defense without sacrificing offensive tempo or spacing.

Christian Braun, the emerging third-year shooting guard, is now poised to become a full-time starter. Braun has developed considerably since his rookie year, showing a reliable catch-and-shoot game and the ability to make intelligent cuts off the ball—both critical traits in the Nuggets’ pass-heavy offense centered around Jokic. Braun averaged 9.7 points and shot 37% from three last season in limited minutes. With a larger role, he’s expected to make a leap not unlike the one Michael Porter Jr. made a few seasons ago before his own move this offseason in a salary-balancing deal that ultimately brought Cameron Johnson to Denver.

Cameron Johnson’s addition is arguably the boldest move of the Nuggets’ offseason. Acquired in a sign-and-trade deal with the Brooklyn Nets, Johnson brings size (6’8”), three-point shooting (career 39.2% shooter from deep), and a willingness to play off the ball—perfect for a Jokic-led system. His floor-spacing ability immediately makes life easier for the rest of the roster, especially Jokic, who thrives when he can pick apart collapsing defenses. Johnson may not be the most prolific rebounder or defender, but with Jokic anchoring the paint and Bruce Brown able to handle tough wing assignments, the Nuggets can afford to lean on Johnson’s offensive value.

And, of course, anchoring it all is Nikola Jokic. The Serbian maestro is coming off a season in which he narrowly missed out on a third MVP award despite averaging 25.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. His advanced stats remain off the charts, and his impact on winning basketball is indisputable. Jokic is the heartbeat of Denver’s offense, the hub through which everything flows. Surrounding him with high-IQ, low-usage, defensively capable teammates was always going to be the blueprint—and this lineup seems to execute that vision perfectly.

While the loss of Michael Porter Jr. removes some explosiveness and instant offense, Denver’s front office was clearly looking for more durability, adaptability, and defensive commitment. Porter’s recurring back issues and playoff inconsistency prompted the Nuggets to explore a more balanced, less top-heavy construction. Bruce Brown’s return helps offset that loss on the defensive end, and Christian Braun has shown flashes of being able to absorb some of Porter’s scoring duties.

This new-look starting five could also allow the Nuggets to control games with more flexibility. Brown, Braun, and Johnson are all capable of switching assignments on defense, giving head coach Michael Malone options he didn’t always have in the past. Jokic and Murray will continue to shoulder the offensive load, but the supporting cast can now offer more consistent shooting and less defensive liability, especially against Western Conference powerhouses like the Thunder, Timberwolves, and Suns.

The question many fans and analysts have is whether this group can match the ceiling of the 2023 title-winning squad. The answer might depend less on individual talent and more on health and cohesion. Murray must remain healthy after multiple playoff runs that have tested his knees. Jokic, while durable, has logged heavy minutes year after year. Braun and Johnson must prove they can handle increased usage. And Brown, while familiar with Denver’s system, will need to reintegrate and reestablish rhythm alongside new teammates.

Still, the front office’s confidence in this configuration signals a belief in sustainability and culture over flashy names. This is a lineup where everyone knows their role, and no one is fighting for touches. It’s a group built to amplify Jokic’s genius rather than compete with it.

From a statistical perspective, this projected starting five carries significant upside. Jokic, Murray, and Johnson are all career 38%-or-better three-point shooters. Brown adds downhill playmaking and hustle that few wings can match. Braun’s development could be the X-factor—his scoring jump and perimeter defense will likely determine just how high Denver can climb.

It’s also worth noting that the Nuggets’ bench has been improved with veteran additions like Alec Burks and Thomas Bryant, who provide reliable minutes and injury insurance. With Peyton Watson, Julian Strawther, and Zeke Nnaji expected to take on bigger bench roles, the Nuggets appear deeper than they were in the past two seasons.

But no matter how deep the bench or talented the starting five, everything still revolves around Jokic. And for good reason. He remains the most unique and unstoppable offensive weapon in the NBA. With the addition of more floor spacing and defensive length, the 2025-26 season could see Jokic post even gaudier numbers. If Murray plays a full season at an All-Star level and Johnson adapts quickly, Jokic may be poised for a third MVP campaign—and possibly, another Finals appearance.

The Western Conference is loaded, with teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder rising fast, the Los Angeles Lakers reloading around Anthony Davis, and the Phoenix Suns still clinging to their superteam model. Yet the Nuggets’ identity as a chemistry-first, defense-tightening, pass-happy offense gives them an edge that few teams can replicate. They don’t rely on isolation scoring or hero ball. They grind teams down with precision, patience, and purpose. This starting five looks designed to perfect that formula.

While questions remain—especially about Johnson’s health and Braun’s consistency—the pieces are in place for something special in Denver. Bruce Brown Jr.’s return brings back a champion’s edge. Cam Johnson’s floor spacing might unlock new levels for Jokic’s playmaking. And if all goes according to plan, this could be the Nuggets’ best, most balanced team yet.

Expectations will be sky-high. But this group has the tools—and the trust—to meet them. The Denver Nuggets didn’t just fill holes this offseason. They refined their identity, upgraded their versatility, and armed Jokic with perhaps his most complete supporting cast since he entered the league.

The rest of the NBA has been put on notice. Denver is back. And they may be better than ever.