Julian Strawther, Denver Nuggets
Julian Strawther was a late first-round pick by the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 NBA Draft. After a breakout season with Gonzaga this past season, Strawther emerged as an intriguing wing prospect. The Nuggets decided to take a shot on Strawther with the No. 29 overall pick. The hope is that he could help fill in a role for the Nuggets, sooner rather than later.
But he did have a good start in the NBA Summer League.
Strawther had his moments in five summer league games while averaging 18 points and five rebounds per game on 34 percent shooting from 3-point range. He’s another one of these players that the Nuggets could ask to take a bigger role than anticipated after Bruce Brown and Jeff Green left in free agency. With his shooting and overall scoring ability, Strawther is a player that could help on the offensive end of the floor.
The defending champions will have their work cut out for them if they have any plans on repeating. And there’s no question that if they’re successful, they’re going to need a player like Strawther to have a true impact.