Zeke Nnaji, a valuable relay in the absence of Nikola Jokic
In the absence Nikola Jokicbut also Jonas Valanciunaswe wondered how the Nuggets interior would hold up. If David Adelman inserted a young Darron Holmes II into his top five, Zeke Nnaji she was the one currently giving the most answers.
« Zeke Nnaji. Here’s what happened. He was incredible defensively “, delivered by Jamal Murray after the Nuggets’ recent win in Boston, ending the “trip” better finished than intended. The interior didn’t shine with its skill that night (3/9 on shots), but it still produced 12 points.
First of all, two days earlier in Philadelphia he tied his career high with 21 points (7/11 shooting, including 4/5 from distance) and 8 rebounds. ” I didn’t remember seeing him move so well. (…) He defended everything in this game, because we changed. It’s good to see him succeed. He obviously hasn’t been in the rotation lately David Adelman noted.
Already a day after Nikola Jokic left with an injury in Miami, Zeke Nnaji was not mobilized in Toronto. Before that, he alternated between “DNP” and short playing time. But already six games into the game: almost 13 points on average and 5 rebounds (56% shooting, including 44% from distance). Without a doubt, his best streak of his career.
Comfortable in both positions
« Honestly, we needed him to do a lot. Take jumps, switch, make delay screens, run, set hard screens, cut hard to the circle. Offensive rebounding as well. In fact, he was in absolutely every action, both in attack and defense. I felt like he was the key to our victory today Jamal Murray said again that day.
« I feel that my rhythm and fluidity within the team is excellent. Whether I’m playing the four position or the five position, it’s like… we just play together “, said the 25-year-old player, who should logically lose responsibility with the gradual return of the injured.
« They all played as part of the rotation and were starters from the beginning of the year. There was real confidence in their game. I’d rather see guys fail by giving it their all and playing with absolute confidence than just trying not to make mistakes. And I think that’s the most important thing for Zeke: to be himself “, demanded his coach.
https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=OtZZ8R_nCIK
| Zeke Nnaji | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | The team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | That | Pd | Ft | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2020-21 | IT | 42 | 9:27 | 48.1 | 40.7 | 80.0 | 0.3 | 1.2 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 3.2 |
| 2021-22 | IT | 41 | 17:01 | 51.6 | 46.3 | 63.1 | 1.4 | 2.2 | 3.6 | 0.4 | 1.9 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 6.6 |
| 2022-23 | IT | 53 | 13:44 | 56.1 | 26.2 | 64.5 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 2.6 | 0.3 | 2.0 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 5.2 |
| 2023-24 | IT | 58 | 9:56 a.m | 46.3 | 26.1 | 67.7 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 2.2 | 0.6 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 3.2 |
| 2024-25 | IT | 57 | 10:40 am | 49.6 | 32.7 | 61.4 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 3.2 |
| 2025-26 | IT | 26 | 11:53 | 54.2 | 34.5 | 80.6 | 0.5 | 1.7 | 2.2 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 4.5 |
How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.
2026-01-13 17:25:00
