The Denver Nuggets, a team predominantly composed of veterans, have been thriving under the leadership of head coach Michael Malone as they aim to secure back-to-back NBA championships. However, with Malone typically favoring a tight rotation that includes starters and a select few bench players, opportunities for younger talents to log significant minutes have been limited. While last year’s answer to this query would have been Peyton Watson, who has now become a regular part of the rotation, the spotlight is now on Julian Strawther as the young player deserving of more minutes.
Unlike Malone’s reputation for shying away from playing young talents, the Nuggets saw rookie Christian Braun play a crucial role off the bench during their championship-winning campaign last season. The preference for a smaller rotation has often kept some emerging players on the fringes. Peyton Watson, who split time between the bench and the G League in his rookie year, has now assumed an important role in his second season.
As of now, the Nuggets’ bench unit appears to be solidified with Braun, Reggie Jackson, and Watson as key contributors, alongside either DeAndre Jordan or Zeke Nnaji as the backup big man. However, in the mix for minutes, Julian Strawther is making a strong case for himself, competing with veteran Justin Holiday.
Although Holiday, a reliable defensive player, seemed to have the edge due to his experience, Strawther’s recent performances have ignited a discussion about increasing his minutes. While his overall season statistics may not immediately catch the eye (6.1 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game), Strawther has demonstrated an offensive prowess that sets him apart.
In the last three games, Strawther’s playing time has seen a notable uptick, reaching season-highs of 28, 22, and 19 minutes, respectively. His impact has been evident, contributing 22 and 16 points in the first two games of this stretch, with his standout performance against the Atlanta Hawks being particularly noteworthy. Shooting 8-16 from the field and 6-11 from beyond the arc, Strawther also showcased his defensive capabilities with five steals.
Coinciding with Strawther’s increased minutes, the Nuggets have enjoyed a 3-0 winning streak. His well-rounded game, including solid defense and offensive firepower, makes a compelling case for his inclusion in the rotation. Despite being a rookie and bound to make mistakes, the presence of experienced veterans around him provides a supportive environment for Strawther’s growth.
Selected with a late first-round pick, Strawther is proving to be a potential steal of the NBA Draft. If he continues to receive valuable playing time early in the season, it could pay dividends for the Nuggets in the postseason. As the team eyes another championship run, Strawther’s emergence adds a layer of excitement and promise to their title defense.
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