Pacers pick Julian Strawther reportedly on behalf of Nuggets
With the No. 29 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Indiana Pacers selected Gonzaga forward Julian Strawther as part of a trade that will send him to the Denver Nuggets.
The Nuggets reportedly acquired the rights to the 29th selection before the draft.
The 21-year-old broke out in his third year with Gonzaga - a common theme for players of the Bulldogs. Strawther ranked second on the team in points per game behind Drew Timme in 2022-23. He also improved from long distance, making 2.2 threes per game on 40.8% shooting from deep. He received a first-team All-WCC nod.
Strawther's shooting makes him an intriguing prospect, as he's versatile in the shots he tries from deep. He also has a reliable counter when forced off the line - driving into the paint for runners and floaters.
Bio:
Position: Forward
School: Gonzaga
College experience: Junior
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 209 lbs
Wingspan: 6-foot-9
Max vertical: 35 inches
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | 46.9 | 40.8 | 77.6 | 6.2 | 1.3 | 15.2 |
Strengths
- Provides accuracy and versatility as a shooter. His bread-and-butter is catch-and-shoot threes. Positions his body well in front of the rim. Gets his shots off fast and with space, adding a little hop for more separation.
- Can also make shots standing from the corners and moving in transition.
- When denied opportunities to shoot from deep, Strawther drives into the paint and utilizes runners and floaters when run off the three-point line.
Weaknesses
- Despite a concerted effort, he struggles a lot on defense. Lacks awareness, regularly losing his man or getting caught on pump fakes. Will need to refine skills at that end of the floor to get more playing time.
- Doesn't create opportunities for teammates. Averaged more turnovers than assists in the collegiate ranks.
NBA comparables: Trey Murphy. In his second year in the pros, Murphy made enormous strides as a defender - ranking second on the Pelicans in steals and blocks this past season. With 40.6% shooting from three, the lean wing has cemented himself as a valuable rotational piece for New Orleans early on in his career. Strawther can make strides by watching how Murphy improved from his rookie to sophomore year.