In a pivotal moment during the Western Conference semifinals last spring, Julian Strawther stepped up for the Denver Nuggets, leading the team to victory in a crucial Game 6 against Oklahoma City. In just 10 minutes of play, he delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 15 points and energizing a packed Ball Arena. Despite the Nuggets losing the series, Strawther’s brief appearance solidified his status as a key player during a tense playoff run.
Fast forward six months, and Strawther finds himself navigating a deeper roster that has limited his playing time early in the season. The Nuggets have made significant additions over the summer, including signing Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown, which has increased competition for minutes. As a result, Strawther has been primarily absent from the regular rotation.
“(I’m) just continuing to work, continuing to trust the process,” Strawther told The Denver Post. “Knowing that everything will happen on my own time, and understanding that there are great players on this team.”
This past Saturday, two key players sat out due to minor injuries, providing Strawther with a chance to prove himself. In a game against Indiana, he played a vital role off the bench, contributing 12 points, six rebounds, and two assists in a 117-100 victory. His plus-20 rating highlighted his impact on the game, showcasing the depth that the Nuggets have cultivated.
“Your depth has to really show out, and the minutes were really good tonight for everybody,” said interim head coach David Adelman. “So, really proud of the bench guys. They were impactful. Loved Julian tonight.”
Strawther’s performance demonstrated not only his scoring ability but also his defensive energy, even as he struggled from beyond the arc. “Knowing that it’s an extra opportunity on the table, and knowing that I haven’t had the opportunity to play much, (I wanted) to go out there and play and have fun with it,” he reflected, emphasizing the mental challenges of reduced playing time.
Nikola Jokic, a key figure on the team, praised Strawther’s readiness and aggressive playstyle. “He stays ready. He’s aggressive when he comes in the game, and that’s a good thing,” Jokic noted, underscoring the importance of maintaining a competitive mindset.
Last season, Strawther played 65 games, averaging 21.3 minutes per outing. He attempted 4.1 shots from three-point range each game, often serving as a spark for a second unit seeking offensive consistency. His ability to score 18 or more points on eight occasions showcased his potential, particularly highlighted during that memorable Game 6.
The Nuggets made strategic roster improvements in the offseason, notably adding Tim Hardaway Jr., who has proven to be a strong offensive contributor. Hardaway’s experience and scoring ability have positioned him as the team’s sixth man, shooting an impressive 46% from three-point range early in the season. This development has inevitably pushed Strawther further down the rotation.
While the comparisons between Strawther and Hardaway may seem unfair given their differing stages in their careers, Strawther is taking the opportunity to learn. “His mechanics are the same every single time,” he remarked about Hardaway, illustrating his commitment to improvement through practice.
The Nuggets’ deep roster presents a challenge but also an opportunity for player development. Adelman has emphasized the importance of readiness among players, stating, “Human beings, on anything in life, if you don’t get your opportunity right away and you’re full of excuses, you fail. If you don’t want to fail, you stay ready.”
As the season progresses, Strawther will face the ups and downs that come with being part of a competitive team. With a focus on hard work and team spirit, he remains determined to make the most of every opportunity he receives, embodying the selflessness that has become a hallmark of the Nuggets’ culture.
