Full Two-Round NBA Mock Draft Pre-March Madness
By Dallin Duffy
149. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. PF/C, Arizona. OKC Thunder (via Nuggets). 26. Zeke Nnaji. player
Danilo Galinari doesn’t seem to be apart of the long term plan in OKC, and Nerlens Noel is set to be a free agent as well. Getting some young size to replace them seems like a good bet for the Thunder, who look to rebuild while also staying competitive. The 6-11 Nnaji can play both the four and five, and could compete for the starting spot at the former.
He’s the third Arizona Wildcat to come off the board in this mock, but he’s actually playing better than both Nico Mannion and Josh Green of late. A good showing in the tournament and at pre-draft workouts could push Nnaji above one or both of them on Draft night.
The big man has averaged 16.3 points and 8.7 rebounds this season, shooting nearly 60 percent from the field. Despite his height, Nnaji can defend both inside and outside thanks to quick feet and even quicker hands. He plays physical defense yet averages just 2.4 fouls per game.
Expect his name to come up a lot on pre-draft “sleeper” ranking lists.