Nikola Jokic re-enters the MVP debate, Christian Braun gets defensive and talking trade bait

Nuggets Ink

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after a big win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Among the topics discussed: + Rookie forward Christian Braun was given his first NBA start Tuesday night due to injuries in the starting five, and the Nuggets promptly delivered their most impressive defensive showing of the season. Does correlation equal causation? If not, what can Denver do to solve its defensive woes? + Michael Porter Jr. has now missed 13 games in a row. At what point should the Nuggets start being worried about his long-term health and availability? How long before he returns to the lineup in full health? + The second unit remains a work in progress more than a third of the way into the season. Who should Michael Malone trust? Who needs more minutes? Who needs their minutes pulled back? Is Bones Hyland consistent enough to lean on as the leader of the bench mob? + Nikola Jokic is back to doing things only Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have done before — including an insane 40-point, 27-rebounds, 10-assist performance against Charlotte. Could the Serbian star actually overcome voter fatigue and win a third consecutive MVP? + If the Nuggets look to improve their roster at the trade deadline, do they have the requisite trade chips to bring something interesting back?