Denver Nuggets: Is Zeke Nnaji the futuristic forward?

Every team needs a 3-and-D wing in today’s NBA, the Denver Nuggets are no exception. That archetype of player is necessary for slowing down opposing perimeter players but also finding their spots within the offense and nailing open shots.

When the Nuggets drafted Zeke Nnaji in the 2020 NBA Draft, some rolled their eyes and thought: not another big man.

But Zeke might be unique. While he didn’t get many opportunities to shine on the court in his rookie, Nnaji might be a new mold of big men who can protect the rim when needed but is also happy switching out onto perimeter players if needed.

As Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly put it in his postseason press conference:

"“I think Zeke’s ability to guard and make shots is really unique for a 20-year-old big. Even though he’s 6-foot-10, he’s going to be a heck of a three-and-D guy.”"

In 42 appearances in the 2020-21 regular season, Nnaji put up averages of 3.2 points with 1.5 rebounds but shot 41 percent from three on 1.4 attempts per night. I wouldn’t recommend looking too deep into those numbers, in fact, why did I even write them.

The most exciting part about Nnaji’s game so far is his role in the modern NBA.

While his comparisons coming out of the 2020 NBA Draft were mostly slow-footed big men like Taj Gibson or Ersan Ilyasova, Connelly’s praise suggests otherwise. His steal and block number this season weren’t jumping off the page (it’s hard to when you don’t get game time) and all we can go off of is his aforementioned 6-foot-10 frame and 7-foot-1 wingspan.

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor wrote for his final draft preview that it was the offensive flashes that got him drafted with his solid finishing and mid-range game:

"“There are concerns defensively, but he does display the athleticism and hustle required to become a reliable defender; he also has a high work ethic.”"

The Athletic’s Toronto Raptors writer, Blake Murphy was interested in Nnaji last draft with Toronto owning the 28th pick but he echoed the same thoughts; defensive concerns with upside:

"“The ability to space the floor and play the pick-and-pop game would make him more interesting. There’s room for defensive improvement, too, as he has the athleticism and motor if his ability to feel and read the game comes along. That’s a notable if.”"

Again, what is Tim Connelly seeing that these pre-draft guys weren’t so sure about?

If the shot is legit at the NBA level, if he can protect the rim in spot backup minutes, he’ll have a role on next season’s roster.

With JaVale McGee’s future up in the air, Paul Millsap aging, and JaMychal Green better suited for the forward minutes, there’s every opportunity there for Nnaji to jump in and win that roster battle. The backup center is a spot for Denver that has missed Mason Plumlee since he went to the Detroit Pistons this past offseason.

Plenty more still has to shake out for Denver’s offseason but with JaVale’s role limited in the 13 games with the Nuggets and almost non-existent in the playoff rotation, Michael Malone might look a little deeper down his bench for the backup big minutes.

Will Barton recently hired a new agency to represent him heading into his Player Option decision and possible free agency, so whether he picks it up or renegotiates and extends, Denver will be strapped for cap space. This will relegate them to signing minimums, extending their own players, or just looking for production from elsewhere, like from number 22 in a Nuggets jersey.