Julian Strawther Has Emerged as Nuggets Bench Sharpshooter

The fourth-year player has taken on a key role following the departure of Tim Hardaway Jr. this offseason.

Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a basketball player in Denver Nuggets jersey, captured mid-jump while shooting a basketball. — Julian Strawther has moved into the primary bench shooter role for the Denver Nuggets as the team prepares for the 2026-27 season. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you plan to follow your local professional basketball team's progress this season?

Julian Strawther has assumed the primary bench sharpshooter role for the Denver Nuggets as the team prepares for the 2026-27 season. This transition follows the departure of former Sixth Man of the Year finalist Tim Hardaway Jr. during free agency.

Why it matters

The Nuggets are looking for consistent production from their second unit to bolster their championship aspirations. By filling the vacancy left by Hardaway Jr., Strawther provides the team with a reliable perimeter threat.

Strawther recorded 29 points, seven rebounds, and four assists while playing 38 total minutes across the first two preseason games. He successfully shot 4-10 from beyond the arc, demonstrating his focus on high-volume perimeter scoring.

The players

Julian Strawther

He is a fourth-year player for the Denver Nuggets expected to play a significant rotation role in the 2026-27 season.

Tim Hardaway Jr.

He is an NBA veteran who previously served as a Sixth Man of the Year finalist before leaving Denver in free agency.

The details

Strawther is entering his fourth season with the franchise and has adopted a specific mindset geared toward increasing his three-point attempts. The Nuggets are counting on this development to maintain offensive momentum when the starters are off the court.

Tim Hardaway Jr. departed the Denver Nuggets during the 2026 offseason.
Julian Strawther discussed his new role after practice on October 9, 2026.
The 2026-27 season marks the period where Strawther serves as the bench sharpshooter.

Season Trajectory

Strawther's promotion directly influences Denver's bench depth as the team navigates the challenges of the 2026-27 season. His ability to fill the void left by Hardaway Jr. is critical for maintaining the team's standing as a legitimate championship competitor.

Strawther's increased usage rate makes him a potential breakout candidate for fantasy basketball managers tracking bench production. His integration into the rotation provides the team with the necessary perimeter spacing to sustain offensive efficiency.

The takeaway

The Nuggets are betting that Strawther's growth will provide the necessary firepower to offset significant offseason roster changes. Consistent bench performance will be the primary metric for determining the success of this strategic shift.