The Denver Nuggets have wasted no time diving into their offseason preparations, and their first pre-draft workout sends a clear message about where the franchise intends to focus its efforts heading into the NBA Draft.
According to reports, the Nuggets will bring in Zuby Ejiofor of St. John’s University for a workout following the NBA Draft Combine. While the session itself may seem routine, Ejiofor’s defensive profile and physical tools offer the first tangible clue that Denver is serious about addressing one of its most glaring needs: physicality, rim protection, and overall toughness in the paint.
With the 26th overall pick in the first round, the Nuggets are in position to add a high-upside player without mortgaging their future. Ejiofor, currently projected as a late first-round or early second-round prospect, fits the mold of a player who could provide immediate rotational value — particularly on the defensive end.
A Defensive Menace with Upside
At St. John’s, Ejiofor established himself as a rim protector and defensive stopper. In his final college season, he averaged 2.1 blocks and 1.2 steals per game across 37 contests while playing 30 minutes a night. Those numbers underscore his instincts and timing around the basket, qualities the Nuggets have coveted when Nikola Jokić rests.
Beyond the raw stats, Ejiofor is described as a fast and athletic big man — attributes that translate well to the modern NBA, where mobility and versatility on defense are premium. His ability to protect the rim while also disrupting passing lanes and generating steals gives Denver a potential two-way presence who can anchor the defense during critical stretches.
Offensive Rebounding Beast
Ejiofor isn’t just a defensive specialist. He put up impressive offensive numbers as well, averaging 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in his latest campaign. What stands out even more is his work on the offensive glass. During his junior season, he grabbed 8.1 rebounds per game, with more than half coming on the offensive end. That trend continued this past season, where he remained a menace on the boards.
That second-chance scoring and energy could prove invaluable for the Nuggets, especially in units lacking Jokić’s gravitational pull and rebounding dominance.
Size, Strength, and the Perfect Fit
At 6-foot-9 and 245 pounds, Ejiofor may be slightly undersized for a traditional center in today’s NBA. However, his compact, powerful frame and natural strength allow him to box out effectively and win battles in the paint. That combination of leverage, athleticism, and tenacity makes him an intriguing prospect who can compensate for his height with sheer physicality.
This profile aligns directly with Denver’s postseason shortcomings. In Game 6 of their second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Nuggets were out-hustled and outworked, surrendering 20 second-chance points and a staggering 64 points in the paint. Those struggles were especially pronounced in non-Jokić minutes at the start of the second and fourth quarters — moments when physicality and rim protection often decide games.
Ejiofor’s skill set — size, strength, defensive instincts, and offensive rebounding — represents a potential solution in one well-rounded package. While selecting him at 26 could be viewed as a slight reach based on current projections, his fit with Denver’s specific needs could make him a smart, high-value selection.
Strategic Flexibility
The Nuggets have made it clear that all options remain on the table, including going over the luxury tax once again. Still, addressing a core need through the draft at a fraction of the cost of free agency would provide significant flexibility. It would allow the front office to allocate resources toward other roster improvements while injecting youth and athleticism into a contending window.
As draft season officially begins, the decision to bring in Zuby Ejiofor first is more than just a workout — it’s an early indicator of Denver’s priorities. If the Nuggets follow through on this defensive-minded vision, they could emerge from the draft with a player ready to help shore up the paint and compete at an even higher level next season.