Nuggets star Nikola Jokic wraps former teammate Bruce Brown in a bear hug

Bruce Brown got a joyful welcome Sunday upon his return to Denver.

Brown, who starts for the Indiana Pacers, was a valuable reserve last season for the NBA champion Nuggets. He joined the Pacers on a 2-year, $45 million deal in the offseason (the second season is a club option).

Brown received his championship ring Sunday, but before that, he got a bear hug from Nuggets star Nikola Jokic.

Brown, who is averaging 11.9 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in Indiana, averaged double figures throughout last season's title run. At the team celebration a few days later, Nuggets coach Michael Malone promised Brown would "run that (expletive) back" this season.

Granted, Malone was, as the kids say, in his cups at the time.

Bruce Brown gets NBA championship ring from Nuggets