October 21st 2024.
Renck: The Denver Nuggets have been flying under the radar this offseason, with most of the attention focused on other teams and storylines. But amidst all the quiet, there have been some concerns surrounding the team's defense and Jamal Murray's fitness. However, there may be a silver lining in the form of Julian Strawther, who could potentially bring some much-needed energy to the bench. While the Nuggets may have dropped four out of their five preseason games, Strawther's improvement has been a shining light for the team. As a second-year pro, he stands at 6-foot-7 and 205 pounds, making him a formidable presence on the perimeter. Unfortunately, his potential didn't translate into success last season, as he struggled to find his footing as a rookie. But now, things are looking up.
So, the question is, can Strawther become the go-to player for the Nuggets' bench, providing the scoring they so desperately need in order to give Nikola Jokic and Murray some much-needed rest? It's a valid one, especially after his impressive performances in the preseason, scoring 23 points against Chicago and 20 against Phoenix. However, as we all know, preseason numbers don't always translate to the regular season. But make no mistake, Strawther has the talent, the confidence, and the swagger to make a significant impact for the Nuggets. And they need him now more than ever.
But there are still some doubts surrounding Strawther's ability to perform at a high level consistently. Last season, he struggled with his 3-point shooting, which ultimately led to him losing the trust of Coach Michael Malone. However, as they say, adversity builds character, and it seems like Strawther has taken this lesson to heart. He's been hitting the gym every day, and it's paying off. In fact, he's been shooting an impressive 13 for 26 from behind the arc in the preseason. Of course, it's still just the preseason, but it's a positive sign that Strawther is putting in the work and earning his spot on the team.
Strawther is one of many players on the Nuggets' roster that General Manager Calvin Booth has carefully selected to fit the team's vision. However, it remains to be seen if Coach Malone will give him the playing time he needs to truly make an impact. In the movie "Moneyball," there's a similar situation with a player named Scott Hatteberg, who the manager refuses to play, despite the front office's plans. In this case, it's not about trading players, but rather creating opportunities for Strawther and other young players like Christian Braun and Peyton Watson. And with limited options on the bench, it's crucial that they step up and prove their worth.
Of course, there's always the concern that Strawther's impressive shooting in the preseason could be a fluke. But those who have been watching him closely believe that he's turned a corner and is ready to deliver for the Nuggets. The team needs to have confidence in him, and Coach Malone should design plays to get him involved early in the season. At just 22 years old, Strawther has the talent and potential to be a game-changer for the Nuggets, and they need to give him the chance to prove himself. After all, in a team that heavily relies on 3-pointers, Strawther could be the X-factor they've been missing.
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