Julian Strawther 2023 NBA Draft Profile
There used to be a narrative out there that Gonzaga players weren’t translating well to the NBA level. I think we can put that to rest given the success that Domantas Sabonis (and to a less degree) Brandon Clarke, Corey Kispert, and Rui Hachimura have had. Is Julian Strawther the next Gonzaga success story at the NBA level? Let’s do a deep dive into his 2023 NBA Draft profile.
- Height/Weight/Age: 6’7″/205 lbs/21 years old
- Primary Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
- Junior Season Stats: 15.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 1.3 APG, 46.9% FG, 40.8% 3PT, 77.6% FT, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 1.5 TOPG
Strengths: Shooting, Scoring Ability, Rebounding
Strawther has serious upside as a 3-and-D contributor. The Gonzaga product shot 40.8% from 3-point range last season and has proven to be a knockdown shooter. It really goes beyond just shooting ability. Strawther has proved that he’s a trustworthy scorer all over the court.
Strawther ranked in the 99th percentile out of spot-ups. He also converted 43.6 percent of his shots off screens from distance. Strawther can also attack the paint showing a canny ability to knock down floaters (62-of-101 (61.4 percent). If you give him open space to get the shot off, you trust him. Strawther has hit some big time shots for the Zags over the years.
JULIAN STRAWTHER WITH THE DAGGER
— ESPN (@espn) January 13, 2023
Gonzaga comes back to win it‼️ pic.twitter.com/vjSQ3vSP48
MARCH MADNESS FOREVER!! pic.twitter.com/1XgGqHnXcY
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 24, 2023
Strawther is also a really good rebounder. 6.2 rebounds for a guard is a super encouraging number. Given the length here (His wingspan was measured at 6’9.25” (11th among small forwards) and his standing reach came in at 8’9.00” (tied for 3rd among small forwards) – It’s probably fair to suggest he won’t be a poor rebounder for his team. The defensive shortcomings too may be able to be molded given the length Strawther has.
Weaknesses: Lateral Quickness, Playmaking, Dribbling
Listed as a four star coming out of high school, Strawther isn’t exactly a freak show type athlete. Uber fast guards can blow by him. Strawther isn’t exactly a bad athlete but his defense lags behind the offense at this point. Projection wise, you hope he can become a guy that functions taking on switches with his length. Right now he can probably only guard 1-3.
Strawther ranked in the 65th percentile defensively last season, per Synergy Sports. He’s better right now off the ball. He doesn’t really force offensive players into turnovers but he’s never caught making dumb gambles that end up costing his team.
Strawther needs to get better at playmaking for others. He doesn’t have much of a left hand right now and can’t create his own shot beyond a few dribbles. If he adds that to his tool box, you’re going to get a really successful NBA player. If not, he’s probably the role player a lot of contending teams need.
NBA Comparison:
I don’t really have a good comp that comes to my mind. Maybe Karl has one that he thinks is better than this. To me, Strawther feels like the guard version of TJ Warren that can mold into that 3-and-D type guy. Decent length with the ability to hit shots.
Draft Projection: Late First / Early Second Round
Strawther, 21, has decided to remain in the draft and is currently thought of as a second round pick heading into the 2023 NBA Draft. Karl does not have Strawther listed in his mock draft but does say he’s in that first round bubble range. Teams at the top of the second round will have to strongly consider taking the Las Vegas native.
Best NBA Fit: Celtics, Spurs, Pistons
Teams at the start of the second round should be looking at Strawther. Does he make sense for the Spurs as a role player next to the new toy Wembanyama? Do the Celtics finally learn their lesson and add wing depth behind Tatum and Brown? Could Strawther become the wing depth needed in Detroit to finally turn the corner?
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