The Denver Nuggets may not hold a lottery pick, but with the No. 26 selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, they are positioned to pounce on one of the most intriguing risers from this week’s NBA Draft Combine. St. John’s big man Zuby Ejiofor has turned heads in Chicago with a dominant all-around performance, and multiple reports indicate the Nuggets have already hosted the versatile forward for a workout. According to HoopsHype, Denver is seriously evaluating the 22-year-old, setting the stage for what could be one of the draft’s biggest steals.
Ejiofor’s combination of production, athleticism, and skill has scouts rethinking his projection. Once viewed as a potential early second-rounder, his standout week at the combine has propelled him firmly into first-round conversations — and the Nuggets could be the team to capitalize.
A Two-Way Force Who Defies His Size
At 6’7.5″ without shoes, Ejiofor is undersized for a traditional big, yet he compensates with elite physical tools and basketball IQ. In his senior season at St. John’s, he delivered impressive All-American numbers: 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. That blend of scoring, playmaking, rim protection, and perimeter defense makes him one of the most complete two-way prospects available in the second half of the first round.
His combine performance only strengthened that case. Among big men, Ejiofor recorded the best standing vertical leap, the third-best maximum vertical, the top shuttle run time, fifth-best lane agility, and fifth-best three-quarter sprint. These results underscore his explosive athleticism and lateral quickness — tools that translate directly to high-level defense and versatile frontcourt play.
Shooting drills further showcased his growing range and confidence. Ejiofor knocked down 52.8% of his spot-up attempts, an impressive 56.7% off the dribble, 48% during the three-point star drill, and a stellar 80% from the free-throw line. While combine shooting percentages don’t always carry over perfectly to NBA games, the fluidity and consistency he displayed suggest real potential as a floor-spacing forward.
Perfect Fit for Denver’s Needs
The Nuggets enter the offseason with clear roster priorities. Forward depth was tested heavily this past season due to injuries to Aaron Gordon and Cam Johnson. While two-way contributor Spencer Jones earned a standard contract after stepping up, additional help remains essential — particularly on the defensive end.
Ejiofor profiles as an ideal solution. His strength, athleticism, and defensive instincts would immediately bolster Denver’s perimeter and interior defense. Head coach David Adelman’s willingness to deploy small-ball lineups creates an even more natural role for the St. John’s product. Ejiofor can slide in as a small-ball five off the bench or play alongside a traditional center, offering switchability and versatility that fits seamlessly into the Nuggets’ modern system.
With his well-rounded game — scoring touch, passing vision, rebounding tenacity, and defensive versatility — Ejiofor has the potential to make an immediate impact. At pick No. 26, landing a prospect of his caliber would represent outstanding value and could quietly reshape Denver’s bench rotation heading into next season.
A Potential Draft Night Surprise
If Ejiofor continues to climb boards in the coming weeks, the Nuggets may need to act decisively. Yet even with his rising stock, he remains a realistic target at 26 for a team willing to bet on two-way talent and character over pure size.
For a Nuggets squad built around championship contention and sustained excellence, adding a high-motor, multi-skilled forward like Zuby Ejiofor could provide exactly the kind of depth and defensive punch needed to stay competitive in the loaded Western Conference.
Draft night on June 23 could deliver a shockwave if Denver pulls the trigger. The “Beast from Hell” from St. John’s might just be wearing Nuggets gold — and silence a few doubters in the process.