Meaningful court time is a precious commodity for NBA rookies. However, Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther is facing a tougher challenge than most as a first-year player for the reigning champions. Selected 29th overall in the 2023 draft, Strawther is making a compelling case to play valuable minutes off Denver's bench.
In four preseason matchups, the former Gonzaga star showcased his skills, averaging an impressive 17.8 points per game on 51% shooting from the field. His shooting from beyond the arc was exceptional, sinking 45% of his 3-point attempts, while also maintaining a stellar free throw percentage of 90%.
Strawther's preseason-high performance came against the Chicago Bulls, where he registered an impressive 23 points, including four 3-pointers.
“Just love his aggressive mindset,” Murray said after the game. “Miss, make, turnover, whatever it is. Just staying constantly aggressive, looking for his shot and not playing at his own pace.”
Not only did the preseason showcase Strawther's ability to perform at a higher level, but he also had a very fruitful Summer League in his hometown of Las Vegas. Strawther emerged as the third-leading scorer for the team, averaging 18.2 points per game, along with 4.6 rebounds per game.
“I grew up watching Summer League so to be able to be a part of it and have my family and friends in the crowd and get my first pro reps, it's been fun," Strawther said.
The question of whether Strawther will crack the starting lineup may depend on Denver's health. Thus far, his only start in the preseason came in place of teammate Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who was resting. Otherwise, the Nuggets utilized Strawther as a reserve.
It remains unclear what specific role Strawther can carve out for himself on an already deep Nuggets roster. It's possible that Coach Malone will opt to start Strawther in a smaller role off the bench and gradually increase his playing time as he becomes more comfortable.
"These young guys have been working really hard, Julian’s been really good, not just shooting the ball well but just picking everything up and doing the small things," Malone commended during training camp on Oct. 6.
Learning and adapting are skills that Strawther has practiced throughout his time playing at Gonzaga, particularly in his first season as a Bulldog.
"When I arrived at Gonzaga my freshman year, the first thing Coach Mark Few did was put me on my butt," Strawther recalled after the Nuggets' preseason win over the Bulls on Oct. 13. "So, I feel like I’ve been able to go through that, and I know how to deal with it mentally and how to attack it."
Even looking beyond his rookie year, the 6-foot-7 wing is a player who can effectively apply what he learns, as evident from his career at GU. Transitioning from averaging 3.4 points per game in his freshman year to 11.8 points per game the following season showcases his ability to make significant improvements. It will soon be seen whether Strawther can achieve the same level of growth in the NBA.
One of the biggest obstacles for Strawther to overcome is the Nuggets' impressive depth. The roster already includes players like Christian Braun and Justin Holiday on the bench.
Braun, Denver's first-round pick last year, averaged 15 minutes and just under five points per game as a rookie.
On the other hand, Justin Holiday, an 11-year NBA veteran, could potentially serve as a mentor for Strawther. However, Holiday has only averaged over 10 points per game in four of his seasons and has played all 82 games just twice.
Nevertheless, it appears that there will be opportunities for the former GU sharpshooter on a championship-contending team. If he continues to impress Coach Malone, Strawther's range and offensive playmaking could make a valuable contribution to a championship-caliber team.
