BREAKING: Nuggets' ideal free agent target could finally be Bruce Brown replacement
This could be an underrated move for Denver.
Ever since the Denver Nuggets won their first NBA championship on this day two years ago, they've been searching for someone to re-fill the role that Bruce Brown so excelled at playing. If the front office is doing their due diligence this summer in trying to find a player who can fill in this kind of role, they may eventually see Dante Exum as a solid option.
It's pretty obvious that Exum doesn't have the same kind of name recognition that Brown does. But what he does have is strong basketball IQ, ability to play at multiple positions and a strong defensive mentality. These are the kind of traits that could make him a perhaps surprisingly good fit in Denver.
Exum's had a career resurgence since landing with the Dallas Mavericks in 2023 that's likely flown over the heads of those who haven't kept up with him very closely. He played overseas for two seasons in 2021-22 and 2022-23, before making an NBA comeback two seasons ago. Since joining the Mavs, he's become even more reliable as a switchable wing who you can trust to play hard-nosed defense and stretch the floor with his shooting ability.
Dante Exum could play the Bruce Brown role
Exum shot 49% and 43% over the last two seasons in Dallas, respectively. Those are insane numbers, albeit on a bit of a small sample size. Dante attempted 161 three-point shots over the last two years, making 76 of those. But his scoring power has clearly taken a step up from where he was at previously in his career. Once seen as more of a traditional point guard, Exum now thrives off the ball.
When we talk about players who play well off-ball and are strong cutters who can make open looks, we're obviously describing the kind of player that typically fits in seamlessly next to Nikola Jokic, much like Bruce Brown did.
If we think back to a few seasons ago (even though it may feel like a lifetime ago), Bruce's impact on the Nuggets went far beyond the box score. He brought an unparalleled energy each time he stepped foot on the floor and was able to blend in seamlessly just about anywhere he was asked to play.
This is the same impact Denver Nuggets fans could expect from Dante Exum if the front office were to pursue him this summer. Exum can bring back the type of strong perimeter defense this team has missed recently, and get them one step closer to another NBA Finals appearance.