Julian Strawther has been dependable this season.
One thing that the near-constant injuries that the Denver Nuggets have suffered this season has done is reveal just how deep the Nuggets roster actually is.
Throughout the season, as numerous stars went down, there seemed to be an endless supply of role players ready to answer the call and step in big ways. It's been a major reason as to why the Nuggets were able to stay afloat despite being without so many of their stars.
One of those role players that's stepped up in a big way has been Julian Strawther. The third-year swingman has started 12 games this season, the most in a single season in his career, while averaging 6.7 points, 1.9 rebounds and one assist in 14.4 minutes per game.
Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther (3) controls the ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Adama Bal (72) guards in the second quarter at Ball Arena. Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn ImagesStaying Ready
A necessity for any NBA player is the ability to stay ready, that's even more important for someone coming off the bench or playing a particular role. You never know when the team is going to call on you, and as the Nuggets' season has proven, a player can go from riding the bench to filling the void in the starting five over night.
That quality is one that Strawther has shown off well and it's something that his Denver teammate Jamal Murray has taken notice of.
Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther (3) controls the ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Adama Bal (72) guards in the second quarter at Ball Arena. Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images"He really is somebody that’s always working, always in the gym. We always tease him about it," Murray said (via Nuggets). "But he’s a professional, and that just shows you how ready he is. He comes in the game, plays good defense, knocks down some shots, plays with good pace. So, it is what it is, he understands what it is right now."
A Big Game Loading
Murray went on to say that he expects Strawther to have a big game in the playoffs and that level of faith from one of the Nuggets' biggest stars is a great endorsement for the kind of player that Strawther currently is and can be.
Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther (3) attempts a shot as Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos (15) defends in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn ImagesThe Nuggets' greatest strength has been their team-first mentality and both Strawther's contributions on the court and his dedication to staying ready are prime examples of that next man up approach.
Depth is something that's tested in the playoffs. It can't just be the stars that take over in a playoff series, it has to be the entire team. Strawther has proven he can step up before and with the vote of confidence thatMurray gave him, there's no reason he can't do it again.