Julian Strawther Rising Star of the Denver Nuggets
Julian Strawther is a rising talent in the NBA, currently playing as a guard for the Denver Nuggets. Born on April 18, 2002, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Strawther has made significant strides in his basketball career, marked by impressive performances at both collegiate and professional levels.
Early Life and High School Career
Strawther attended Liberty High School in Henderson, Nevada, where he showcased his scoring prowess. As a senior, he averaged 31.5 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, earning Southeast League co-MVP honors. Notably, he set a HoopHall West Invitational record by scoring 51 points in a single game. His high school achievements made him a consensus four-star recruit, leading to his commitment to Gonzaga University over offers from Marquette, Florida, and UNLV.
Collegiate Success at Gonzaga
At Gonzaga, Strawther's role evolved over three seasons. As a freshman, he contributed as a backup, averaging 3.4 points per game. His sophomore year saw increased responsibility, with averages of 11.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. In his junior year, he became a key player, averaging 15.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, and earning First-Team All-West Coast Conference honors. A highlight of his collegiate career was a 40-point game against Portland and a game-winning 35-foot three-pointer against UCLA in the 2023 NCAA Tournament .
Transition to the NBA
Strawther declared for the 2023 NBA Draft and was selected 29th overall by the Indiana Pacers, who traded his rights to the Denver Nuggets. In his rookie season (2023–24), he appeared in 50 games, averaging 4.5 points and 1.2 rebounds in 10.9 minutes per game. He had standout performances, including a 22-point game with five steals against Atlanta and a 21-point game against New Orleans .
Playing Style and Strengths
Strawther is recognized for his shooting ability, particularly from beyond the arc. During his junior year at Gonzaga, he shot 40.8% from three-point range. He also possesses a reliable floater, shooting 56.2% on such attempts, and is effective in off-ball movements and catch-and-shoot situations . While his playmaking and ball-handling are areas for improvement, his scoring versatility makes him a valuable asset.
International Representation and Personal Background
Though born in the U.S., Strawther represents Puerto Rico internationally, honoring his mother's heritage. At the 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup, he averaged 22 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, including a 40-point performance against Russia. His personal journey is marked by resilience; he lost his mother to breast cancer at age nine, and his sister, Paris, played college basketball at UNLV .
Julian Strawther's trajectory in basketball reflects his dedication and skill development. As he continues with the Denver Nuggets, his growth as a player will be one to watch in the coming seasons.