Julian Strawther, Gonzaga
For the first time on this list, we look at a prospect who is not a defensive specialist. Julian Strawther is one of the better shooters in the draft class, with the potential to be a premier 3-and-D wing. The 6’7″ forward is 21 years old and a big contributor to an impressive Gonzaga team. In his Junior year, Strawther averaged 15.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game.
The most impressive part of Strawther’s game is his shooting ability. He had impressive 47/41/77 shooting splits. The highlight of his Junior season was a 40-point outing against Portland, where he shot 8-12 from three. Strawther is a real-deal catch-and-shoot threat with the potential to be an immediate contributor to a winning team.
Julian Strawther is an incredible off-ball player who is smart about finding his spots on the perimeter or cutting to the basket. With the ball in his hands, while his handle needs some work, he can attack the basket and has a nice touch from midrange, and has a great floater.
At 6’7″ with a 6’9″ wingspan, Strawther is an active defender both on and off the ball. On-ball, Strawther has the lateral quickness to stay in front of ball handlers, combined with his size, as he can guard the one through four. Off-ball, Strawther is a smart player who makes the right rotations and is active in passing lanes.
Another impressive aspect of Strawther’s game is his rebounding, something the Sacramento Kings lacked from their forwards last season.
Julian Strawther is projected to fall past the 38th pick, so it would be a good move for the Kings to pick him up.
NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Kings get coveted prospect, Jazz make a surprise selection
Here is the first official A Royal Pain 2023 NBA Mock Draft, as we predict who the Sacramento Kings and the rest of the league are looking to select.