Early Life and High School Dominance
Julian Lee Strawther-Cordero, born on April 18, 2002, in Las Vegas,
Nevada, is a Puerto Rican and American professional basketball player making
waves with the Denver Nuggets. Growing up in Henderson, Nevada, Strawther honed
his skills at Liberty High School, where he became a standout. As a junior, he
averaged 27.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, showcasing his scoring and
rebounding prowess. His senior year was even more impressive, with averages of
31.5 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, earning him Southeast
League co-MVP honors. A highlight was his 51-point performance against Apollo
High School at the HoopHall West Invitational, setting an event record. By the
time he graduated, Strawther was Liberty’s all-time leader in points and rebounds,
cementing his status as a four-star recruit.
College Career at Gonzaga
Strawther committed to Gonzaga University, choosing it over offers from
Marquette, Florida, and UNLV. As a freshman, he played a supporting role,
averaging 3.4 points per game behind Corey Kispert, but his team reached the
national championship game. His sophomore year saw a leap, with averages of
11.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, establishing him as a key scorer. By his
junior year (2022-23), Strawther was an All-WCC First Team selection and a
Julius Erving Award finalist. He dropped a career-high 40 points, including
eight 3-pointers, against Portland on January 28, 2023. His clutch 35-foot
3-pointer against UCLA in the 2023 NCAA Tournament sent Gonzaga to the Elite
Eight, a defining moment that showcased his fearless shot-making.
NBA Journey with the Denver Nuggets
Selected 29th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 NBA Draft,
Strawther quickly showed promise. In his preseason debut against the Phoenix
Suns, he scored 20 points, shooting 8-for-12 and 4-for-7 from three, earning
praise for his efficiency. On December 12, 2023, he made history as the first
NBA rookie to record 6+ three-pointers and 5+ steals in a single game. Despite
a left knee sprain sidelining him for parts of the 2024-25 season, Strawther
has bounced back, averaging 9.0 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game
while shooting 46% from the field and nearly 40% from three. His 15-point
performance, including three 3-pointers, in Game 6 of the 2025 playoffs against
Oklahoma City highlighted his ability to shine in high-pressure moments.
Playing Style and Potential
Strawther is a versatile wing, excelling as a sharpshooter with a
quick-release jumper and deep range. His ability to score off the dribble,
finish at the rim, and contribute in the motion offense makes him a fit for
Denver’s system alongside Nikola Jokić. While his playmaking and defense need
refinement—critics note occasional mental mistakes and jittery defensive
play—his offensive upside is undeniable. Posts on X and Reddit highlight his
Summer League dominance (32 points, 6/12 from three) and preseason efficiency
(18.8 points on 53/50/78 splits), with fans and analysts seeing him as a
potential 16-19 point-per-game scorer in the future.
Personal Background and Impact
Strawther’s journey is marked by resilience. At nine, he lost his mother,
Lourdes, to breast cancer, a profound loss that shaped his perspective. His
Puerto Rican heritage, through his mother, led him to represent Puerto Rico
internationally. His paternal grandfather, Edward, a World War II veteran,
founded the Las Vegas Sentinel, one of Nevada’s African-American newspapers. Strawther’s charisma and work ethic shine through off the court, as seen in
his mentorship under veteran DeAndre Jordan and his lighthearted claim of a
“30-game win streak” at Gonzaga.
Looking Ahead
As the Nuggets navigate the 2024-25 season, Strawther’s role off the
bench is critical, especially after losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. His
shooting and scoring burst could make him an X-factor, with some comparing his
potential to a taller Gary Trent Jr. While trade rumors have swirled due to his
value (equivalent to a first-round pick for rebuilding teams), Denver’s
reluctance to part with him underscores their belief in his future. Strawther could become a cornerstone for the Nuggets’
championship aspirations with continued growth.
Follow Julian Strawther’s journey on Instagram
and catch his next game with the Denver Nuggets!