Sportsupdated 1h ago2 min read
Nuggets’ Julian Strawther Sprains Left Knee, Will Be Reevaluated In Six Weeks
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Julian Strawther sprained left knee, reevaluated in six weeks. Out at least six weeks; earliest return late November.
Sprain Sidelines Strawther
Julian Strawther sprained his left knee during a preseason game at the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, and the Denver Nuggets said Friday night that he would be reevaluated in six weeks. Strawther injured the knee Wednesday while handling the ball, with his leg getting caught under his body and bending awkwardly as he landed.
The Nuggets projected Strawther to come off the bench this season, and ESPN said he played in 57 games a season ago and averaged 7.2 points. The Washington Post said Strawther was taken 29th overall in the 2023 draft, and it added that he has started 18 games over his career.
Timeline, MRI, and Quotes
The Nuggets said Strawther would miss at least six weeks after an MRI revealed the left knee sprain, and Hoops Rumors said the team announced it in a press release. David Adelman said it was disappointing to see a player who had been “working their ass off all summer” go down with an injury.
Preliminary evaluations left the Nuggets feeling optimistic that Strawther had not suffered season-ending ligament damage, and a follow-up MRI revealed the sprain. A six-week timeline puts Strawther on track to return around Thanksgiving at the earliest, and the regular season tips off next Thursday in Oklahoma City.
Rotation Impact and Next Games
The injury left Denver short-handed before its season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, Oct. 22, and it described the setback as coming days before the opener.
Strawther suffered the injury during the third quarter of Denver’s 122-110 loss to the Clippers at Intuit Dome on Wednesday, and he did not return.
Strawther was eligible for a rookie scale extension until October 19, and he would be eligible for restricted free agency in 2027 if he does not sign an extension on or before Monday.
Nuggets coach David Adelman hoped Strawther would be back healthy, and Adelman said “All you can do is hope for the best” after the game.