Does Gonzaga's Julian Strawther have an NBA Draft promise from a team?
For the second consecutive year, Julian Strawther has declined to play in the five-on-five scrimmages at the NBA Draft Combine. The Gonzaga men's basketball forward joins 36 other players who decided to skip the most-anticipated portion of the event at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.
The reason behind Strawther’s decision is unclear, but it's possible he has a guarantee from an NBA team to be drafted in a position he is happy with. Playing in the scrimmages could hurt his draft stock or result in injury.
Recent mock drafts have not been consistent in predicting Strawther’s NBA destination. Some experts have the 6-foot-6 wing as an early second-round pick, while others believe he'll be one of the final players to get selected.
In ESPN’s latest mock draft, Strawther was projected to get drafted with the 51st pick by the Brooklyn Nets. It’s an intriguing fit for both sides, with the Nets in need of more frontcourt depth and rebounding.
Strawther averaged 6.6 rebounds per game in his junior season for the Zags, who ranked 22nd in the nation in rebound margin. He finished with double-digit rebounds in seven outings, including when he corralled a career-high 14 boards in an 88-72 win over then-No. 4 Kentucky.
Julian Strawther
Photo by Erik Smith, Myk Crawford
Despite trading away superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving this season, the Nets seem hopeful to remain competitive and Strawther could make an immediate impact.
Another potential destination for Strawther is the San Antonio Spurs at pick No. 33, a scenario projected in Yahoo’s most recent mock draft.
The Spurs are undergoing a complete rebuild after finishing last in the Western Conference standings in the regular season. Still, the future looks bright in the Alamo City with consensus top pick Victor Wembanyama all but guaranteed to join the organization.
For a team focused on developing its young core, the Spurs may be enticed by Strawther’s upside as a 3-and-D contributor. Strawther shot 40.8% from 3-point range last season and could provide a much-needed boost to San Antonio’s perimeter scoring. The Spurs shot 34.5% on 3s in 2022-23, which ranked 26th in the NBA.
On defense, Strawther possesses the length and athleticism to stay in front of high-level guards and wings. 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 wouldn’t be surprising if Strawther’s physical profile is attractive to the Spurs, who finished last in defensive efficiency (119.6).
Even after the combine wraps up on Sunday, Strawther could see his stock radically shift ahead of the draft on June 22. If he decides to return to Gonzaga, the deadline to withdraw from the draft is June 12 at 2 p.m. PST.
Julian Strawther
Photo by Erik Smith/Myk Crawford
