According to Mike Singer of the Denver Post, the Denver Nuggets are selecting Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Julian Strawther with the 29th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

The Nuggets, fresh off winning a championship 10 days ago, add a versatile scoring forward in Strawther with plenty of scoring range and shooting touch. In his junior season at Gonzaga, Strawther averaged 15.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, shooting 46.9% from the field and 40.8% from three-point range.

Denver has drafted plenty of defenders of late with Christian Braun and Peyton Watson, and while Strawther isn’t considered a high level defender, he slots in well as a different option in a bench forward role. Standing at 6’7″ with a 6’9″ wingspan, Strawther projects as a player who can switch on the wings and play within a team defensive concept. He’s not going to shut down opposing stars in a 1-on-1 situation, but he can hang.

Finding ways to be an impactful defender will keep Julian Strawther on the floor, but the offense is what the Nuggets are drafting him for. If he can fit into the Nuggets system as a cutter, offensive rebounder, floor spacer, and handoff option, he will find a role within the Nuggets rotation sooner rather than later. His off-ball movement is good, and he operated in a big man centric system at Gonzaga around Drew Timme and Chet Holmgren (sophomore year).

Strawther will fit well in Denver. The only question is how soon he can play. The Nuggets will give him an opportunity to develop and prove he deserves to be part of championship rotation as soon as possible.