The Denver Nuggets have been grinding through a stretch of the season without two key starters - Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun - both sidelined with injuries. But while those absences have drawn most of the attention, there’s been another quiet but significant name missing from the rotation: rookie wing Julian Strawther.
On Sunday, the Nuggets got a bit of good news. Assistant coach David Adelman shared an encouraging update, saying Strawther has been practicing hard and could be close to returning. “I’m very, very hopeful this week is the week,” Adelman said, hinting at a possible activation for Monday’s matchup against the Rockets.
That’s a welcome development for a player who seemed to vanish from the lineup almost overnight. Strawther started the season healthy, but then was suddenly ruled out with a back issue that didn't come with a clear timeline. Adelman had previously explained that Strawther simply “woke up hurting,” which left things open-ended and, frankly, a little concerning.
Now, just a few weeks later, the tone has shifted. While there’s still no word on when Gordon or Braun might return, Strawther’s potential availability could give the Nuggets a timely boost - especially given the way the rotation has been stretched thin.
A Chance for Strawther to Make His Case
With Gordon and Braun out, Denver has leaned on a mix of young players and role guys to keep things afloat. Peyton Watson, Spencer Jones, and others have stepped up with energy and defense, helping fill the gaps. But Strawther brings a different kind of value - one that’s been missing in this stretch: scoring and floor spacing.
Strawther’s offensive skill set makes him a natural fit in lineups alongside stars like Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. He’s not just a shooter - he’s a scorer who can find his spots, knock down shots from deep, and keep defenders honest. That kind of presence can open up the floor and give Denver’s offense another gear, especially when paired with more defense-first units.
The challenge for Strawther has always been consistency. Since being drafted, he’s had moments where he’s flashed real potential, but injuries have repeatedly interrupted any rhythm he’s tried to build. This back issue was just the latest in a string of setbacks.
But now, assuming he’s healthy, the door is wide open. Denver needs shooting.
They need scoring off the bench. And they need someone who can step in and contribute right away.
There’s a real opportunity here for Strawther to claim a role - not just as a temporary fill-in, but as a long-term piece of the rotation.
We’ve seen players with similar skill sets thrive in defined roles - think Tim Hardaway Jr., who’s made a career out of being a reliable scoring punch off the bench. If Strawther can stay healthy and find that rhythm, there’s no reason he can’t carve out a similar niche for himself in Denver.
The Nuggets are in survival mode right now, and every piece matters. If Strawther is indeed ready to go, he’s got a golden opportunity in front of him - one that could reshape his trajectory with the team.