David Adelman Provides Julian Strawther Injury Update

During the third quarter of their recent preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther went down with a serious knee injury that kept him out of the game. 

After the game, Nuggets head coach David Adelman told the media he would be evaluated with an MRI the morning after the matchup, and he's hoping the injury is not too serious. 

"Obviously it sucks," Adelman said. "Seeing anybody get hurt, somebody who's been working all summer- all you can do is hope for the best." 

This season was projected to be a very important one for Julian Strawther. He is a player who has been fighting to get Minutes on the Nuggets since he was drafted, and with the backup guard situation being the way it is, it looked like he could be someone who gets an increased role. 

Strawther is just 24 years old and has continuity with much of the Nuggets' core. His absence could change a lot for Denver moving forward. 

This Nuggets team is comprised of a lot of veterans and some who have championship pedigree. Last season, they saw a young player, Peyton Watson, break out in limited action, as he only appeared in 54 games. Still, having a young player who is very productive can add a spark to a roster. 

Strawther has played behind veterans for much of his career, and now he may need time to sit out again. One player who Denver may see a bit more of on the court thanks to Strawther's injury is guard Alpha Diallo,  whom the Nuggets signed from overseas this summer. 

Diallo is known for the defensive presence he brought to his teams in Europe, as he won the EuroLeague Best Defender award with his club, AS Monaco. If he can bring that over to the NBA in Denver, that would be a big bonus for them. 

David Adelman spoke to the media earlier in the preseason about having to figure out what that second unit for the Nuggets may look like to start the season, and now, with this injury, it changes a lot of things for them. 

He mentioned that he did not want a starter to play alongside the second unit to start the year, but now, with Strawther potentially missing time, it could force his hand and potentially lead to an eight-or nine-man rotation. This Nuggets coaching staff will have their hands full when establishing the regular rotation.