The Denver Nuggets have suffered injuries across the board this season, from the biggest stars to emerging role players. But, how those different kinds of players experience the turmoil and rollercoaster ride of injuries over the course of the season is very different. 

Of course, it's mentally hard on any player to have to miss out on basketball for an extended period of time and it can be even harder getting settled in with the team if you haven't had the chance to practice, play or find a rhythm. 

The difference is, star players often don't have to worry about their role or place on the team shifting dramatically just because they were out. Role players do have to have those concerns from time to time. 

That's been the case for Julian Strawther. The third season swingman has been held back in his young career by numerous injuries, particularly to his knees and ankles. While those areas haven't been the issue this season, he's missed time due to injuries to his back and toe as well. 

He hasn't played more than 65 games in a season so far in his career, but as he finds his footing and his healthy days become more frequent than his injured ones, Strawther has been relied upon more and more by the Nuggets, especially this season when the starting rotation has been so beset by ailments of their own. 

Jamal Murray has long been a champion of his teammate Strawther, supporting him and saying that he just needed time to be comfortable in his role and that he would grow into an impact player.

Murray has deep sympathy for Strawther's injury trouble and the shakeups it's caused to his standing in the Nuggets roster and celebrated his teammates work ethic for persevering through both his physical issues and his uncertainty. 

"It's tough to be in that position and have a rhythm for your team and not know where your minutes or shots are going to come from. So, kudos to him just staying ready. Staying mentally sharp," Murray said (via Nuggets). "It's just a credit to his work and who he is as a hooper."

Now that Strawther is being looked to more and more, he's proven why he deserves that trust. He's started in 12 games this season as the Nuggets found their depth stretched thin and he's been a major piece of keeping the team competitive despite their limited bodies. 

He's heated up recently as well. In three of his last five games he's scored 12 or more points and proven that even if his role may be uncertain, his production won't be.