THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: Strawther selection only part of a long, confusing night

If you watched the NBA draft Thursday night …

I’m guessing you’re still confused.

OK, we KNOW that 7-foot-something Victor Wembanyama was selected No. 1, with trumpets and fanfare, by San Antonio.

Yes, Victor cried when interviewed, and good for him.

Now, for the rest of the selections, all two rounds worth, it was so baffling that even the players didn’t know what was going on.

One of the ESPN interviews began the up-close segment by saying, “Did you know you’re going to Denver?”

A logical question, since he was wearing another team’s hat.

I’m bringing this up for two reasons …

First, the whole night was a long headache, as players who were going to be traded were selected by the teams making the deals — which was odd, at best.

The reason, which the NBA no doubt wishes would simply vanish on draft night, is these trades can’t be finalized until July.

So, if the Clippers make a deal to draft someone for Charlotte, L.A. actually makes the choice and the player dutifully dons a Clippers ballcap.

The players probably had it explained to them before the ceremonies began, but when you’re achieving a lifetime dream, you very well might forget protocol in that moment.

NOW, THE second reason for explaining this unusual draft procedure is that it wound up involving Gonzaga’s Julian Strawther.

Technically, it was the Indiana Pacers who made the 29th pick in the first round, but their selection of Strawther was made on behalf of the current NBA champion Denver Nuggets.

Actually, it was more complicated than that.

Here is the Nuggets’ actual explanation on how Strawther arrived, courtesy of Denver exec Matt Brooks …

“(Nuggets' general manager) Calvin Booth was busy leading up to draft night.

“First, he and his front office made an ultra-rare trade during the NBA Finals, and acquired the 37th overall pick in the 2023 draft, a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2024 second-round pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder for Denver's 2029 first-round pick.

“Denver then made a secondary deal, and used that 2024 first-rounder from Oklahoma City and their own second-round pick at No. 40 to acquire the 29th and 32nd overall picks from Indiana.”

Got it?

Me, neither.

But at least, somebody get Julian a Denver cap.

Here’s the Nuggets’ very own logic for all this maneuvering …


“Both deals were done to maximize Denver's title window with Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray by infusing the roster with young talent.

“Strawther at pick No. 29 has a great chance to add to that championship core.

“He'll fit snuggly next to Jokić and Murray's two-man game as an off-ball player because of his 3-point stroke, but Strawther's also got a reliable in-between game.

“If he's run off the 3-point line, he can utilize that strong floater to beat aggressive closeouts.”

Yep, that sounds like the Julian we know.

Oh, and naturally — from both the Nuggets and on TV coverage of the draft — Strawther’s late and long 3-pointers to beat BYU and UCLA were mentioned front and center.

As ESPN’s Jay Bilas said: “Denver is looking for winners as their complimentary guys. They did it last year with Christian Braun from Kansas, and now with Strawther from Gonzaga.

“They both fit the profile.”

CALL IT a huge break for Strawther, going to a championship organization that will appreciate his talents, and know how to use them.

Meanwhile, Washington State’s Mouhamed Gueye went to Charlotte at No. 39 overall, and that’s probably a decent landing spot, as well.

Charlotte has cycled through big men (as well as nicknames) over the past few years, and Gueye should get a fair chance at decent minutes.

The one worry is that teams without much stability don’t exactly exude patience, and post players generally need some time to make a jump into the NBA.

You’d hope that Gueye, who has gotten decent tutelage from Kyle Smith and his staff at Wazzu, gets a fair shot at learning the professional ropes.

Finally, as we put this draft to bed, I want to go WAY out on a limb with a prediction.

No idea how long it will take, or what the route will be, but …

Drew Timme will work and grind and spin and float his way into the NBA.

Sooner or later.

Yes, he will.

Wait and see.

Email: scameron@cdapress.com

Steve Cameron’s “Cheap Seats” columns appear in The Press four times each week, normally Tuesday throughFriday unless, you know, stuff happens.

Steve suggests you take his opinions in the spirit of a Jimmy Buffett song: “Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On.”