Report: Nuggets host Josh Green, Zeke Nnaji for workouts ahead of 2020 NBA Draft

The Denver Nuggets have their eyes on a pair of former standouts at Arizona in Josh Green and Zeke Nnaji.

Are they going to be the Denver Nuggets next season, or the Denver Wildcats?

According to the Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin, with the 2020 NBA Draft edging ever closer, the Nuggets have now conducted workouts with the Arizona Wildcats’ two best draft prospects: big man Zeke Nnaji and wing Josh Green. In July, it was reported that Denver had interviewed the 6’11” Nnaji.

Both Green and Nnaji are athletic and multi-dimensional players who won’t have to be specialists in the NBA although there are particular roles that they could each excel in.

Green has the makings of a 3-and-D player early on in his career.

Standing at 6’6,” Green has the length, athleticism and agility to be a high-level wing defender for years to come, using quick feet, flexible hips and great anticipation to stick with ball-handlers. Offensively, the Aussie has plenty of work to do as a ball-handler, finisher and facilitator, but he has potential as a pick-and-roll ball-handler because of his court vision, basketball IQ and ability to make quick decisions.

In addition, while Green shot 36.1% from 3-point range at Arizona, he’s also adept at attacking closeouts and knocking down pull-up jumpers from the midrange.

Nnaji is a fluid athlete with a high motor and great size for the position.

While he’s not a player who fills up the defensive box, he’s able to effectively guard perimeter players — a byproduct of his length, stance, motor and athleticism. Nnaji is far more versatile offensively, showing himself to be an above-the-rim player who can finish pick-and-rolls, be a rim-runner in transition, and score from every area of the court.

His rebounding, especially his ability to use a quick jump to generate second-chance points, is a feature of his game that can be a secret to his long-term success.

Atlanta Hawks power forward John Collins, a big with All-Star potential thanks to steady development, is a great comparison for Nnaji.

Where they fit in Denver

Those that watched their fair share of Nuggets games last season will understand exactly why Denver is interested in these two prospects.

Green could either be an additional wing defender for Denver, one that they desperately needed in the 2020 NBA Playoffs, or a potential replacement for Gary Harris. While Harris currently the longest-tenured Nuggets player on the roster, he’s also a near lock to be traded if Denver opts to trade for a star guard like Jrue Holiday.

Nnaji is the frontcourt defender that Denver was sorely lacking in the postseason as well. Aside from Jerami Grant, there wasn’t a single frontcourt player that the Nuggets could trust to hold their own when guarding on the perimeter. Nnaji, a potential replacement for center Mason Plumlee, would fit well in Denver’s second unit even if Bol Bol was part of their rotation.

To the latter point, Bol is another player who’s likely to be traded if Denver looks for a star. If Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. are the Nuggets’ untouchable players in a trade, Bol has the next-best combination of youth, skill and potential.

If only the Nuggets could draft both Green and Nnaji.