Zeke Nnaji had a successful freshman season, averaging 16 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.9 BPG, and 2.2 TOPG on shooting splits of 57/29/76. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Zeke Nnaji
Height/Weight: 6’10.5 / 247
Wingspan/ standing reach: 7’2/ 8’9.5
Hand size: 10.5
Position: PF/C
College: Arizona
Tools: P&R roll-man, length, jump shooting
Pros:
- Good jump shot potential
- Good vision
- Adequate lateral quickness
- Excels in the P&R offensively
- High motor
Cons:
- Defensive consistency
- Must improve ball security
- Needs to improve ball handling
- Plays below the rim
Overall:
Nnaji is an offensive minded big man that does the most damage playing off-ball. A successful mid range shooter, with NBA spacing, Nnaji’s jump shot should translate well to the 3 point line. Nnaji will need his jump shot to thrive in the NBA in order to find sustained success, as he is a below-the-rim finisher and was only around average FG% at the rim in college. Nnaji does a great job making defenses in the P&R, both as the roll-man and when he pops out to mid range or the 3 point line. His day-one calling card will be energy and floor-spacing, which provides value to a playoff team.
Defensively, Nnaji still needs to become more consistent as a decision-maker, but he has the tools to be an effective team defender and showed flashes of strong instincts at times. That, combined with his motor and lateral quickness make it hard to protect Nnaji as much of a negative defender, even in a doomsday scenario.
NBA Comparison: Floor: Jason Smith/Jordan Hill; Ceiling: David Lee
Projected draft range: 20-38 (selected 22 by Denver)
Fit with Nuggets:
Denver selected Nnaji at 22, and for a team that lost Mason Plumlee to free agency, Nnaji fits very well off the bench. While he lacks the passing that Plumlee brought, his floor-spacing as a center will be more valuable as the Nuggets continue to push for a finals appearance.
Shot Chart:
