Julian Strawther

Strawther held a minor rotational role as a rookie, averaging 4.5 points and 1.2 rebounds in 10.9 minutes per game across 50 appearances. While known as a three-point specialist, Strawther shot 29.7 percent from deep on 2.8 attempts per game. None of that makes you think Strawther is trending toward a breakout in Year 2. However, that's not all of the equation. The Nuggets, who were reigning champs last year, had a tight backcourt rotation with Jamal Murray, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Michael Porter, Christian Braun, Justin Holiday and Reggie Jackson playing a majority of the minutes. Caldwell-Pope is in Orlando, Jackson signed with Philadelphia and Holiday remains a free agent, leaving a gaping hole in Denver's rotation. The Nuggets' only notable backcourt addition to replace those guys was Russell Westbrook, who's expected to operate as the primary backup to Murray. That leaves Strawther to compete with Braun for the starting shooting guard spot. Braun likely has the upper hand, as he was already a bigger part of the rotation last year, but Strawther's shooting ability would seemingly be a better fit with Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon down low. Strawther's floor is as low as it was in Year 1, but he has a clear path to playing time this season and could be the steal of the draft if he plays himself into a starting role. Read Past Outlooks