The NBA draft has been moved to October, which allows players β including former Arizona Wildcats Zeke Nnaji, Nico Mannion and Josh Green, who are all projected as first-round picks β to have extra time to prepare physically.Β
Lately, Nnaji has been working out in Las Vegas, the last location Arizona played a game during the Pac-12 Tournament before the season was canceled to COVID-19 concern, and is working with longtime NBA trainer Joe Abunassar, according to KSTP's Darren Wolfson.Β
The Pac-12 Freshman of the Year has been working with Abunassar alongside Detroit Pistons forward Christian Wood.Β
Hereβs #NBA Draft prospect Zeke Nnaji working with legendary trainer Joe Abunassar in Vegas. Heβs been training alongside Christian Wood, whoβs going to get paid big-time when free agency hits. pic.twitter.com/4i6zQh9AP4
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) June 6, 2020
Abunassar, who founded IMPACT Basketball in 1997, has been a longtime trainer and mentor for numerous standout players over the years, such as Kevin Garnett, Kawhi Leonard, Gilbert Arenas, Baron Davis, Kristaps Porzingis, Jaylen Brown, Serge Ibaka, Kyle Lowry, DeMarcus Cousins and Myles Turner, among others.Β
Nnaji's agent Adam Pensack said Nnaji is expected to stay in Las Vegas leading up the draft, per sources.Β
According to Wolfson, Nnaji has virtually met with three NBA teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets and Chicago Bulls. The Bulls are the only team out of the three in lottery-pick range.Β
Here's where some mock drafts have Nnaji landing:Β
- Sports Illustrated: No. 27 overall (New York Knicks)
- The Athletic: No. 21 overall (Denver Nuggets)
- ESPN: No. 34 overall (Minnesota Timberwolves)
The NBA draft lottery is slated for Aug. 25 and draft date is scheduled for Oct. 15.Β
