MINNEAPOLIS — Lost in the shuffle of Tuesday nightap drubbing at the hands of the Timberwolves was another quietly productive game from Nuggets forward Zeke Nnaji.
Even though all nine of his points came in the fourth quarter — well after the game was decided — it was the manner in which he continued to light up the box score that should have team officials giddy. Nnaji, a 6-foot-9 hybrid forward, went 3-of-3 from beyond the arc.
’s on 1.8 attempts per game. Not only does that lead the Nuggets, but it leads the NBA among regular players who attempt at least one 3-pointer per game. The sample size (33 of 62 on the year) is growing and begs the question of whether he needs to be featured in even more of the second unitap offense.
Nnaji’s value is multifaceted. In small-ball lineups he can play the five where his role becomes more of a screener, a roving obstacle sent to compel switches for Denver’s guards. In that capacity, he can act as the roller in pick-and-roll situations or stretch the opposing defense by popping out to the 3-point arc. As the forward, perhaps playing alongside JaMychal Green or DeMarcus Cousins, Nnaji’s responsibility is to stay along the perimeter. His 3-point proficiency commands a defense’s attention.
In either role, itap becoming harder to see how Nnaji doesn’t deserve to be a fixture in Denver’s rotation. In January he averaged almost 16 minutes per game, with 7.2 points and 4.2 rebounds, on nearly 65% shooting from 3-point range. Nnaji’s production has earned praise on several occasions from Nuggets coach Michael Malone, and his growing understanding of the game bodes well in a deep frontcourt.
“I feel like I’ve never had an issue with my confidence,” Nnaji said after Tuesday nightap loss. “Itap just more about finding a rhythm and as I continue to play more and more, really understanding the game. I feel like I’m seeing things I wasn’t seeing at the beginning of the season, or even last year.”
Itap been obvious to anyone who’s watched Nnaji closely the past month. Instead of rushing shots around the rim, he’s utilized a patient pump-fake to offset defenders. And that only speaks to his growth offensively. Defensively, Nnaji is a versatile menace who prides himself on guarding multiple positions. He doesn’t seem out of his element even when he gets caught on an island against quicker guards.
With the trade deadline approaching, and the Nuggets still searching for an upgrade on the wing, Nnaji’s value appears to be growing. But given his age, as well as his upside, don’t expect him to be dangled as trade bait. Nnaji’s proven he’s worth a longer look.
