2020 NBA Draft: Nuggets draft Zeke Nnaji with 22nd overall pick

With the 22nd pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets have drafted forward-center Zeke Nnaji out of Arizona.

Zeke Nnaji was reported to be one of two players that the Denver Nuggets were targeting with the 22nd pick, shortly before the draft, with the other being former Washington center Isaiah Stewart (Stewart was taken with the 16th overall pick).

Although there wasn’t a lot of fanfare when Nnaji was selected by Denver, he’s an athletic big who has the positional versatility to play behind or beside star center Nikola Jokic and complement him well.

Just 19-years-old, Nnaji averaged 16.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 0.9 blocks and 0.7 steals per game for the Wildcats last season, shooting 57.0% from the field and 29.4% from 3-point range (5-17). Nnaji was named the Pac-12 Rookie of the Year for his play and was the only player for Arizona that was named to the All Pac-12 first-team.

Although he needs to continue to develop as a perimeter shooter, he’s already shown himself to be a great rim-running option in both the halfcourt and fullcourt as well as a solid low-post scorer. As far as his jumper, the touch and form he’s displayed on midrange jumpers is promising.

However, the main reason for the Nuggets to draft Nnaji is his ability to switch onto guards, where he uses his length and mobility well.

If he’s to replace free agent Mason Plumlee, he may not be the same level of passer but he’s probably a better athlete, floor-spacer and perimeter defender.