Nike has once again solidified its position as the go-to brand for highly-touted first-year NBA players. This year, former Gonzaga star Julian Strawther is among the 13 rookies who have signed lucrative shoe deals with Nike for the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season.
Strawther, who now plays for the Denver Nuggets, joins an impressive group of young talent that includes Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, Brandon Miller of the Charlotte Hornets, and the Thompson twins, Amen and Ausar.
While the specific kicks Strawther will wear in his professional debut remain unknown, reports suggest that some rookies will be sporting the highly anticipated GT Cut 3, GT Hustle, and GT Jump models.
Selected as the 29th overall pick in the NBA Draft, Strawther has already made quite an impression during the preseason. Standing at 6-foot-7, the talented wing has showcased his scoring ability, averaging an impressive 17.8 points per game. Strawther has shown his accuracy from the field, shooting 44.7%, and has been particularly deadly from beyond the arc, shooting an impressive 45.2% from deep.
Aside from his scoring prowess, Strawther has also displayed remarkable maturity on the court, playing mistake-free basketball. Despite his aggressive style of play, he has committed only two turnovers in 93 minutes of action. This level-headedness is a testament to his ability to handle pressure and make smart decisions.
As the regular season approaches, the role and usage of Strawther within the Nuggets' lineup remain uncertain. However, it is clear that he is taking significant strides towards a bright future in the league. Securing a lucrative shoe deal with Nike, the biggest brand in sports, is just the beginning for this promising young talent.
