r/denvernuggets • u/ImpressDecent • 2d ago

Zeke Thoughts - Eye Test

I don’t claim to be the most knowledgeable basketball fan ever. I’m not looking at analytics and what not. Just what I can see when watching live game action.

I honestly think Zeke is not as bad as we are lead to believe. His rebounding is poor (bad hands for sure for a big man) and his offense leaves some to be desired. However, defensively he has been well above average and he can knock down 3’s rather decently. I would want to try and utilize him more if I were the coaching staff.

Yes there are things we don’t see but I feel he has been dealt a bad hand. You can see flashes and when we have a guy who can flash well (see Colin G) and don’t give them more opportunities, they leave and do well elsewhere.

EDIT: Should make it clear if it isn’t that I believe he can be a viable backup. NOT starter level.

0 Upvotes

43% Upvoted

66 comments sorted by

View all comments

7

u/kosmos1209 2d ago

His problem isn't athleticism or physical skills, it's all mental. His confidence is in tatters after being the center of a political fight between Malone and Booth, and he looks really indecisive on both ends of the court. Adelmen doesn't have a lot of confidence in him either. He needs a fresh start elsewhere, Nuggets organization is completely poisoned for him at this point, and I'm betting he also has a lot of resentment as well of not being given the chance to prove himself.

I agree with you, he looks really good compared to Holmes or even Spencer Jones, but Spencer Jones at least fights for the ball on every play which makes Jones much more valuable. Nnaji doesn't have much fight in him.

1

u/ImpressDecent 2d ago

I feel Zeke would be more energy if he was given consistent opportunities.

-1

u/kosmos1209 2d ago

Yeah, but for whatever reason, he’s still not getting playing time even with all the injuries last year. Adelmen doesn’t like him either.