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2023 NBA Finals: Ranking Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat rotation players

By Elliot Reeder

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 01: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets shoots against Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 01, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 01: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets shoots against Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 01, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Haywood Highsmith (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Haywood Highsmith (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /

19. Cody Zeller (Miami Heat)

Cody Zeller has served as the Heat’s backup center in limited minutes in the playoffs. He’s averaging 2.6 points and 2.7 rebounds in 16 games in the playoffs (9.2 minutes per game). Even with the limited counting numbers, Zeller is shooting 58.1% from the field in the playoffs.

In the regular season, Zeller averaged 6.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game after being signed in February. He shot 62.7% from the field in the regular season across 15 games. Ready for a crazy Cody Zeller stat: Zeller is the highest-drafted rotation player in the Finals (4th overall in 2013)

18. Haywood Highsmith (Miami Heat)

The latest scouting success story for the Heat, Haywood Highsmith turned into a key producer in South Beach this year. In the regular season, Highsmith averaged 4.4 points and 3.5 rebounds per game across 54 games (made 11 starts). He shot 43.1% from the field and 33.9% from 3.

Highsmith hadn’t played a lot in the playoffs but made a big impact in Games 5 of the Conference Finals and I think has a chance to see some minutes in the Finals. In the playoffs, Highsmith is averaging 3.2 points and 1.5 rebounds per game in 13 games. He dropped 15 points in Game 5 against Boston. Highsmith is shooting 58.6% from the field in the playoffs and is knocking down 50% of his 3’s.

17. Christian Braun (Denver Nuggets)

Christian Braun, the youngest of Denver’s rotation players, was the 21st overall pick in this past year’s draft (and is the only rookie rotation player in the Finals). Braun quickly impressed Michael Malone as he earned a spot in the rotation. In his rookie year, he averaged 4.7 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. He shot 49.5% from the field and 35.4% from deep while appearing in 76 games (6 starts), averaging 15.5 minutes per game.

In the playoffs, Braun has appeared in 14 of Denver’s 15 games (with his only DNP coming in the most recent Game 4 against LA). He’s averaged 2.3 points and 2.1 rebounds per game across 11.8 minutes per game. Braun has struggled some efficiency-wise in his debut playoffs, shooting 42.9% (22.2% from 3 and 60% from the line).

Even at just 22 years old, Braun has a long experience of winning. He won three High School state titles, won an NCAA title last year at Kansas, and is now headed to the NBA Finals in his rookie season.

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