The Denver Nuggets came into the 2023-2024 season as the defending NBA champions. Head coach Michael Malone’s team is in a prime position to repeat. Rookie Julian Strawther will look to cap off an impressive year with an NBA title.
Denver Nuggets: A Rising Star Emerges
In 2023, the Denver Nuggets drafted Julian Strawther 29th overall out of Gonzaga University. Originally projected to go to the Indiana Pacers, general manager Calvin Booth traded up to land the 6′ 6″ guard. During his tenure as a Bulldog, he excelled both offensively and defensively. He has wing-size, but has made a name for himself playing as a shooting guard. Coming out of Liberty High School in Henderson, Nevada, the Las Vegas native was a four-star recruit. Over the course of his time at Gonzaga, Strawther developed a reputation for coming through in the clutch. During the 2023 NCAA Tournament, he hit a buzzer-beater three to lead the Bulldogs past UCLA in the Sweet 16.
During his first NBA game last season, Julian Strawther showcased his talent as both a shooter and a force on the glass. In the Nuggets’ 2023 preseason opener against the Phoenix Suns, he lived up to the hype. He recorded a team-high 20 points to go along with five rebounds and three assists. Furthermore, he avoided turning the ball over. It was clear that he was going to excel in the NBA. At 21, his NBA journey has just begun. As his career progresses, he will develop into a starter for Malone’s team.
Denver Nuggets Establish Winning Culture
Since becoming the head coach of the Denver Nuggets in 2015, Michael Malone has turned his team into a perennial contender. With superstars such as Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, Malone has established a winning culture in Denver. Julian Strawther is next in line to uphold that culture. Despite having only played in 49 games this season, the former Gonzaga star will be crucial to Denver’s success in the postseason. While he may not be a player of Karl-Anthony Towns‘ caliber, he is still capable of providing the Nuggets with valuable minutes. Eventually, he will emerge as an elite guard in the NBA.
A Bright Denver Nuggets Future
In order for the Denver Nuggets to continue their rise in becoming the NBA’s next dynasty, Julian Strawther will have to dominate on the court. Calvin Booth and the rest of the Nuggets front office has the franchise set up for long-term success. Behind the play of “Joker” and Murray, the Nuggs are on their way to capturing a second-straight NBA title. Despite the bench being their biggest obstacle this season, Malone will need strong performances from Strawther if Denver is going to repeat. If he continues providing valuable minutes, Malone and company will raise another championship banner to the rafters of Ball Arena this season.
About The Author
Christopher Svancara has been a passionate fan of basketball, baseball, and football since he was young. He also has a passion for expressing himself through his writing. His favorite aspect of writing about sports is uncovering the hidden stories about players and teams. As a Colorado native and an alumnus of the University of Colorado Boulder, Svancara developed a passion for a variety of Colorado sports teams. His favorite teams are the Colorado Buffaloes, Colorado Rockies, Denver Broncos, and Denver Nuggets. He loves to attend sporting events to watch the drama unfold in person. Sharing the excitement of these moments with his readers is what motivates him to be a sports writer for Total Apex Sports.
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