Everybody knows how important bench pieces are on a winning team. They may not realize that there is a specific archetype of bench player that every elite team needs.
Sure, it’s always nice to have extra three-and-D wings, rim-protecting bigs, and facilitating point guards, but that’s not what wins it. These days, teams need a guy who can come off the bench and do nothing but create his shot and get buckets.
Since the late 2010s, there have been plenty of examples of this archetype of player on some truly amazing teams.
In 2019, the Toronto Raptors had Fred VanVleet during their championship run. Then, in 2022, the Golden State Warriors had Jordan Poole. In 2024, the Boston Celtics had future Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard. Though they didn’t win the championship, the Pacers’ bench was boosted heavily by Bennedict Mathurin.
These players certainly have their differences from one another. Some are true point guards, while others are more so wings. However, what they do have in common is that they are, or at least were, pure shot creators.
They could be brought off the bench to put up some threes, score at a high volume, and help their teams win big games. The Denver Nuggets could use a guy like that, and Julian Strawther could very possibly be that guy for them.
Why Denver Needs Someone Like This
Denver fans may challenge the need for such a player. Only three years ago, the Nuggets won a championship with their sixth man being Bruce Brown, a non-prolific scorer. However, times have changed.
When Brown left, the Nuggets were scrambling to find a new backup guard, and they ended up with Reggie Jackson.
He had his moments, but by and large, he was inefficient, turned the ball over a lot, and generally regressed in the playoffs and big moments. He didn’t play much defense to make up for it.
Then, in the 2024-25 season, the Nuggets decided to make a splashy signing and got Russell Westbrook. Westbrook certainly had his benefits, as he was very high energy, a good defender, and could run the offense. However, his shooting woes became painful to watch.
Throughout both the regular season and the playoffs, his 3-point percentage was in the low 30s despite taking an above-average amount of threes per game. Additionally, his field goal percentage dropped below 40 in the playoffs, and his free-throw percentage of sub-70 was shockingly low for a guard.
Why Julian Strawther Can Be That Guy
Fast forward to the present, where the Nuggets’ bench very well could be the best it has been in the Jokic era.
Their perimeter defense is secure with the returning Brown and developing Peyton Watson. The playmaking is in good hands with Brown and Jalen Pickett. Their shooting will not be an issue with Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas and DaRon Holmes guarantee stellar rim protection.
The only possible critique with the Nuggets’ bench is their lack of shot creation. That’s where Julian Strawther steps in.
Brown, Hardaway Jr., Watson, and all the rest are great bench players. However, they are not the kind of guys who can consistently score 1-on-1. Strawther, on the other hand, was that exact kind of player at Gonzaga.
In his senior year, he averaged 15 points a game while shooting 47% from the field. Additionally, he shot 40% from three while shooting a substantial five threes a game. He even capped off his season with a ridiculous game-winner against UCLA in the 2023 Sweet Sixteen.
https://twitter.com/TheAthletic/status/1639120787301974021
Strawther hasn’t gotten much playing time since being at Denver.
In his rookie season, he played only 10 minutes a game and struggled to find his shooting rhythm. However, last season, he averaged 21 minutes a game, and both his field goal, three-point, and free throw percentages increased dramatically.
Additionally, last season, he showed the whole world how quickly he can get hot. With the Nuggets needing a spark against the Thunder in game 6 of the conference semi-finals, he caught fire and propelled Denver to a win.
Julian Strawther Has a Breakout Season Incoming
As a three-level scorer who can easily create his own shot, Julian Strawther will only continue to get better and better. He excels at getting to the basket and can absolutely change any game with his shooting from behind the arc.
Additionally, as a point guard in college, he can handle the ball and facilitate well, which will allow him to earn more minutes. Furthermore, though he isn’t an elite defender, his length and energy provide him with plenty of defensive potential.
At 6’6, Strawther can get his shot off with ease, and his ball-handling ability at his size creates very favorable 1-on-1 matchups. The path will not be easy, nor will it be guaranteed.
Denver has lots of depth this year, and lots of players that could take Strawther’s role and minutes. However, as all the previous bench scorers proved, having big-time backup shot makers can make all the difference.
Though he’s young and though he’s not fully polished, Julian Strawther could be the bench x-factor that Denver needs to get another Larry O’Brien trophy.
Leave a comment