Sometimes the NBA is about sacrifice and that fact of the league is something that the Denver Nuggets have learned well.

They have one of the deepest rosters in the entire NBA, obviously headlined by superstars like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, but they also have a wealth of talent that's been revealed by the many trials and tribulations of this season in Denver. 

Obviously, having such a wealth of talent is a good thing, but with that surplus of dedicated players comes a balancing act. Not everyone can play on the floor at the same time, and even as some players get chances in the limelight and step when needed as other stars go down, those roles aren't always permanent.

Julian Strawther is someone who's understood that level of sacrifice better than anyone. In the hard times of the season when the Nuggets were without their stars or typical role players, Strawther was one of several bench players that answered the call and he didn't disappoint. 

His time in the spotlight allowed him to get the attention and recognition that he's been working for throughout his career, but that time hasn't been permanent.

It's been a long road to the Nuggets back to full strength, but as the season's come to a close they finally have the roster they started the season with back in their grasp.

That means that Strawther's role has to be reduced again and his minutes have fluctuated wildly, sometimes playing 15 minutes more per game and sometimes playing as little as two.

That constant bouncing between different times on the court makes it hard for any player to get into a regular rhythm, but that still hasn't stopped him from putting int he work to constantly improve.

It makes him a valuable asset to call upon when needed, like in the Nuggets' 127-107 win over the Thunder on Friday, where all five of Denver's starters were out and Strawther was one of several bench players who stepped up in their stead.

"He has to come in the game and feel ultra-confident all the time, and that’s a skill in our league and it’s hard because everyone wants to find a rhythm in the NBA, but not all roles are the same. So, I’ve been really proud of him," head coach David Adelman said of Strawther (via Nuggets). 

His ability to stay ready and impact the game no matter what's asked of him will be even more valuable in the playoffs, and his constant improvement means that as time moves on and his role potentially elevates, he'll always be ready.