Braun is a talented guard, with impressive finishing ability. That is the main thing that comes to mind when thinking of him. He is a smooth, fluid athlete. His ambidextrousness allows him to finish on either side of the basket. Gifted near the hoop, he is also excellent in transition. He is primarily a below the rim finisher, but he really isn’t a bad athlete. Outside of his tantalizing finishing skills, he is a solid shooter. His three point numbers aren’t impressive, but the form is definitely there. He has good instincts and can change his shot in a second. Aside from the offensive side, he is a nice defender. He is switchy, and can legitimately get in his defender's way. His long arms give him the physical tools to be a great NBA level defender. There are times when he can get too impatient and leave his man wide open. However, he limits those scenarios pretty well, and is a great prospect. He is posting solid rebounding numbers for his size. Apart from these things, his versatility really pops. He will be able to play both wing positions. His size, and decent athleticism make him a prime candidate for an early starting role. While his offensive game may not translate right away, his all around talent, defense, fluidity, length, and versatility will nearly guarantee success. He is a tad older, so don’t expect high upside from him. Nonetheless, keep an eye out on him as a riser in the tournament.

Comparison: Furkan Korkmaz

Projected Draft Range: 25-45

Height 6’6

Weight 218 lbs

Wingspan Estimated 6’8

DOB 4/17/01 (Draft Age: 21)

Pre-Draft Team Kansas Jayhawks

Offense

• Formerly a 3 point marksman, now he's found himself as an elite finisher.

• Hugely improved physical stature. Allowing him to finish around the rim.

• Good shot mechanics. Ball may come a bit low and slow down the shot, but his release is high and the follow through looks great.

• Sound decision maker and a really good finisher in transition. *

Defense

• Above average rebounder for his size.

• Good motor.

Swing Factors

Role

• LOW:

• HIGH:

Braun is one of my favorites in this class. He's mostly a winning team's player tho since it's unlikely he'll ever develop into more than a role player, but he should be a really good one. Has literally everything you want on a 3 and D wing. Very good size at 6'7, not long with a 6'6 wingspan but it's not bad either. One of the better POA defenders at the wing position in this draft, should be able to switch 1-3 at the NBA level. Plays with a lot of effort, doesn't take any plays off. Very capable as a spot up 3pt shooter, and decent off the move. I thought his release looked a tad bit slow at the college level but seemed much faster at the NBA combine. Some decent off the dribble ability too. Very good feel and ability as an off ball cutter. Shows some very good playmaking ability and overall feel, very likely a good secondary playmaker and could be used as a primary playmaker in some stretches off the bench. Very athletic player, had the 2nd highest standing vertical and 3rd highest max vertical at the combine. Good lateral quickness numbers too. He struggles with self creation so doesn't project as a lead guard and his handle is a bit shaky, though that one should improve over his first couple of years. So if you're looking for a high potential lead guard you should look somewhere else, but if you want a rock solid role player who plays winning basketball this is your guy.

Best fits: Denver, Miami, Golden State, Milwaukee, Philadelphia

Age: 20

Christian Braun is one of the more underrated players in this draft. While he isn’t great at anything, he is a Jack of all trades, good at everything but great at nothing. He has good vision and great pass accuracy. His shot is inconsistent but accurate at times and looks smooth. It should get better with time. His defense is also very good. He has a nice frame and a nice motor. He’s good at staying with his man and has a good IQ on that end.

In conclusion, Braun is a young guard for Kansas who has a good IQ and great defense. He’s also a pretty good shooter. He’s not great at anything but has no obvious flaws

Player analysis

Christian Braun played four years at Kansas where he emerged as a first round talent late in his senior year because he transformed his game from a shooter to a dynamic shot creator that has sneaky athleticism. Braun has always been a good shooter and for his first three years in college he was a specialist from three but as he became an upperclassmen his team expected more from him and he was forced to create more, Christian’s game as a playmaker and ball handler really shined as the secondary option for the team that ended up winning the NCAA tournament. After the season he showed even more untapped skill through his game as an athlete, he was one of three pliers to record a 40’ inch vertical at the combine and he popped as a slasher in pre draft workouts and combine scrimmages. Hopefully Braun can use his size more in the league and capitalize on league spacing to show off his athleticism and his ability to get to the basket. Christian is a smart defender and has decent size to defend combo guards and wings, his experience from college really shows on that side of the floor and he should translate to at least league average in the NBA. Braun has a good three level offensive game with solid defensive fundamentals and really flew up draft boards because of his projections as a solid NBA player who can add to a playoff team.

Projection

Draft range: [ 16 - 36 ]

Comp: [ Grayson Allen ]

Strengths: Athleticism and transition scoring Weaknesses: Playmaking/Defensive Versatility

High Side Comp: Grayson Allen/Kevin Huerter Low Side Comp: Sam Dekker

Ideal Fit: Bench Guard

Draft Range: 20-48

Result: 21- DEN

Athleticism: 9/10 Size: 3/5 Defense: 5/10 Strength: 2/5 Quickness: 6/10 Creation: 2/5 Jumpshot: 7/10 Finishing: 3/5 NBA Ready: 3/5 Ball Handling: 5/10 Passing: 4/10 Intangibles: 4/5 Potential: 5/10 TOTAL: 58= Late First/Early Second

Pros:

• Really good on ball defender: rarely gets beat, smothers the attacker on drives

• Plus athlete with a good vertical, he gets to the rim with ease and has good percentages there

• Reliable catch and shoot threat

Cons:

• The pull up jumper isn't there yet and likely won't ever be

• Can be a bit turnover prone when he can't get to the rim

• Negative wingspan

Christian projects as a 3&D wing that plays with a high motor, His athleticism, along with the outside shot, could make him a high end role player.