Julian Strawther is the key ingredient to a successful Nuggets bench unit

The Denver Nuggets just finished their final preseason game and secured their first and only win of the preseason against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Mile High Crew defeated the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last year 132-126. All of the Nuggets starters played in this contest but it was actually Julian Strawther that carried them to the win.

Strawther balling out against the T-Wolves, scoring 33 points on 8-13 shooting, 5-8 from beyond the arc, and 12-13 on free throws, but this was not an unexpected performance. The 2nd-year guard has been one of the brightest spots of the offseason and preseason for Denver and he will be a key contributor to the Denver bench that is looking to bounce back from last season.

Looking back to the NBA Summer League, Strawther was already showing flashes as he was dominant in two games, playing so well that the Nuggets decided to shut him down early. He averaged 28.5 PPG, which led all players in Summer League, and made 9/22 threes (40.9%). He has carried his prolific play into the preseason as well.

Strawther could absolutely pop in his 2nd season

Strawther appeared in all five preseason games for the Nuggets and was arguably their best player, thanks to his consistency, confidence, and offensive explosions. The 6’7” wing averaged 18.8 PPG in 28 minutes per game, knocked down 13 threes, and connected on 21 free throws in the process.

Not only this, but Strawther was wildly efficient shooting 52.6% from the field, 50% from beyond the arc, and 77.8% from the charity stripe. He has looked not just like he belongs in the Nuggets rotation, but that he could thrive in his role off the bench.

The 22-year-old is a shoo-in for the backup SG minutes this year and he makes a ton of sense with the fellow Nuggets around him. Veteran PG Russell Westbrook will be able to drive and kick to Strawther, creating shot opportunities for him. Peyton Watson can also help cover the better wing opposition for Strawther on defense.

Then there is the instant connection that has already taken place between Dario Saric and Julian Strawther, who have something special brewing in their two-man game. The non-Jokic minutes last season were tragically bad, but everything is trending towards the bench unit being more competent in 2024-2025, led by Strawther and Co.