Julian Strawther, the former Gonzaga Bulldogs' star, is heading to the defending NBA champions after the Denver Nuggets selected him with the No. 29 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
NBADraft.net ranked Strawther as the 24th-best prospect, and it seems the Nuggets agreed with that assessment, trading up with the Indiana Pacers to pick him.
At 6-foot-7 and 209 pounds, Julian Strawther has the size and speed to compete against NBA-level wings. He shot an impressive 40.8% from beyond the arc last season on over five attempts per game, making him a valuable addition to the Nuggets' roster. As a spot-up shooter, he ranked in the 97th percentile according to Synergy.
Scouts also admire Strawther's ability to attack defenses with an effective floater, showcasing his body control and touch near the basket. He was an effective rebounder as a Zag, averaging 6.2 boards per game.
Last season, Strawther earned All-WCC honors after averaging a career-high 15.2 points per game on 46.9% shooting from the field. He led the Zags with 80 made 3-pointers and 203 defensive rebounds. His 50 career rebounds in the NCAA Tournament is the 10th most in school history, and he's eighth in 3-pointers attempted (47).
The Nuggets have added a talented player to their roster, and Strawther's potential is sure to make an impact for the defending champions. Fans will be eagerly anticipating his debut on the court.
