Denver Nuggets: 3 takeaways from Oct. 3 loss vs. Thunder

Nnaji could be the difference-maker

Lastly, it feels only fitting that we end this off on a high note and review arguably the best performance from last night, Zeke Nnaji. Who has been plagued by injuries and limited to just 83 games in his professional career since getting selected 22nd overall in the 2020 NBA Draft.

In Denver’s preseason home opener against OKC, Nnaji was easily the most impressive player on either team. Notching a team-high 15 points and 6 rebounds while shooting 6-of-11 from the field and 1-of-3 from long range in just 17 minutes of action.

The Denver Nuggets’ offseason was defined by their big decision to move on from Monte Morris and Will Barton in exchange for more two-way players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown. Although, once we saw where all the pieces landed in free agency and the draft, it became clear that Denver forgot about one key position; backup center.

Sure, the team went out and signed DeAndre Jordan this summer, who actually looked to be in good form last night. Although, DJ averaged fewer than 14 minutes per game last season with the 76ers, and is clearly on the decline of his NBA career. He’s also the only center on the roster not named Nikola Jokic.

Now chances are that with Jokic averaging 30 to 35 minutes a night, whoever the backup center is won’t be relied on a ton anyway. However, with Jordan being 34 years old and Nnaji seemingly in mid-season form already, there’s a very real opportunity for Zeke to emerge as the Denver Nuggets’ primary backup at the center position.

Zeke Nnaji’s presence was felt throughout the game last night, not just on the scoresheet. He appeared too quick and agile for OKC’s centers and his astounding 7’1” wingspan and over 250-pound frame was clearly too much for their forwards to handle. He was active on the offensive glass and ran the floor faster than any other big man on either team.

Obviously, it’s hard to get too excited over his performance, as he spent most of the night teaming up with the Nuggets’ third unit alongside Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, Vlatko Cancar, and Ish Smith. Nevertheless, he easily had the most bounce of the names mentioned and already looks like a multi-year starter.

If Zeke Nnaji continues his upwards trend, he has the potential to become a key difference-maker for Denver this season.