2023 NBA Draft Prospect Highlights: Julian Strawther
Overview
Julian Strawther was a 2023 WCC First-Team honoree, fueled by 15.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. He was a backup on Gonzaga’s 2020-21 run to the National Championship game. Strawther also plays for Puerto Rico during international FIBA play. A native of Las Vegas, Strawther’s older sister played basketball at UNLV.
Analysis
Strawther is the epitome of a cookie-cutter NBA wing. He buried 40.8 percent of 5.3 three-point attempts per game last season. Strawther held his own as a perimeter defender but didn’t show much growth as a true defensive asset schematically. He brings good size and a respectable repertoire around the basket. Strawther’s athleticism is another question mark, but he’s been consistently reliable for Gonzaga’s winning program.
Projection
Strawther’s spot-up shooting skills are proven, and he isn’t a liability on defense. Beyond that, it’s tough to gauge what components of Strawther’s game could be true differentiators. He has the chance to stick if he can evolve as a defender. Stawther assuming a back-end role similar to Sam Hauser with the Celtics is plausible.
— Profile by RotoWire