DENVER — Julian Strawther, a guard for the Denver Nuggets, will participate in the Rising Stars event during the upcoming All-Star weekend after being chosen as an injury replacement.
Strawther is stepping in for Scoot Henderson from the Portland Trail Blazers, who is sidelined due to an ankle injury. The NBA made the announcement on Wednesday, just prior to the Nuggets’ game against Portland.
The 22-year-old Strawther has made appearances in 54 games this season, holding an average of 9.6 points per game. His notable performance places him at the forefront among all second-year bench players in various statistical categories, including total points (479), minutes played (1,112), field goals (170), and three-pointers (79).
Recently, he has been elevated to the starting lineup due to Russell Westbrook’s hamstring injury. With this selection, Strawther becomes the 17th player from the Nuggets to take part in the Rising Stars event, following Bones Hyland’s inclusion last year.
“Julian absolutely deserves this opportunity. He’s been asked to shoulder a significant load for a team that currently sits in third place in the Western Conference, especially as a second-year player,” remarked Nuggets coach Michael Malone. “This event will allow him a chance to display his talents to a broader audience. I’m truly excited for him; this is a well-earned recognition.”
A graduate from Las Vegas, Strawther was selected in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft by Indiana but was obtained by the Nuggets through a draft-night deal after a remarkable tenure at Gonzaga.
Denver boasts an impressive record of 26-8 when Strawther logs over 20 minutes of play. He holds an unblemished record of 3-0 when he is included in the starting lineup.
“Competing alongside some of the finest young talent in the NBA, and indeed, the world, will give him a fresh perspective on himself,” Malone added. “I hope this experience boosts his confidence. When I informed him of the selection, I made sure to emphasize, ‘Hard work pays off.’ He’s truly dedicated.”
The Rising Stars event is scheduled for Friday at San Francisco’s Chase Center and will feature a tournament format comprising four teams of seven players. Semifinals will see matchups where the first team to reach 40 points wins; those victorious squads will then compete in a championship round where the first to 25 points is crowned the champ.
The triumphant team from the Rising Stars tournament will join three teams of NBA players in the All-Star Game.
Strawther will compete on “Team M,” managed by coach Mitch Richmond. Among his teammates are Amen Thompson from Houston, Ausar Thompson from Detroit, Toumani Camara from Portland, Yves Missi from New Orleans, and two Washington players—Bub Carrington and Bilal Coulibaly.
