Yannick Nzosa
2022 NBA Draft Scouting Report
YANNICK NZOSA
Congo
C
6’11” | 215 | Wingspan: 7’6”
Age on draft night: 18.6
Draft Range: 15-25
Primary Values: Defense, motor
Preliminary Report:
Nzosa was regarded as the top international prospect in the draft by most scouts coming into the season.
Even before his 17th birthday, he earned minutes for Unicaja in the Spanish ACB, one of the top leagues in the world. He joined Luka Dončić and Ricky Rubio as the only 16-year-olds in ACB history to score 10 points in a game.
Last season for Unicaja, Nzosa’s averages per 36 minutes were 12 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. These numbers might not wow you at first, but they are very impressive for a player in his age-17 season.
Nzosa’s athleticism and skill level are already at high levels. He’s not really a shooter yet, but his 75% free-throw shooting and consistent form on his jumper give scouts hope that it’s just a matter of time. He seems to have a nice touch. And he plays with a great motor and is an elite finisher at the rim.
He needs to get stronger, is very foul prone (at more than six fouls per 36 minutes) and is still emerging as an offensive player, but scouts believe he has the potential to be the best player in this class. He has spent some time in Los Angeles working out against other top prospects and NBA players, and he drew very positive reviews from some tough critics there.
His background story is also incredible. It’s really worth your time to read this feature on him in Slam Magazine.
Nzosa might be the hardest player to rank. He has struggled mightily, especially on offense, and he seems to have regressed from last season.
Scouts love his energy, his fluid athleticism and his ability to defend multiple positions. He has all the tools to be an elite defender. But he’s looked lost on the offensive end, and his role on his team has dwindled.
At this point a team would be drafting him on upside.
In his first 19 games, Nzosa is averaging 6.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.3 steals per 36 minutes and shooting 37% from the field.
Video Scouting Report by Rafael Barlowe at NBA Draft Junkies
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