The biggest surprise from Denver Nuggets Media Day may not have come from Nikola Jokic or Jamal Murray. It came from Zeke Nnaji, whose latest photos showed a noticeably more defined physique heading into his seventh NBA season. The transformation was enough for one of his longest-tenured teammates to crack a joke that summed up just how different Nnaji looks.
Nnaji posted several pictures from Nuggets Media Day
on Instagram, including one showing off his chiseled physique. Jamal Murray, who has been in Denver well before Nnaji's arrival, could not resist.
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He replied simply, "Drug test incoming."
The joke landed because Nnaji has made physical preparation a major part of his offseason. Speaking about his goals for the new season, he emphasized physicality and rebounding.
Jamal Murray's playful jab hints at something serious brewing in the locker room. Subscribe to stay across every roster storyline shaping this season.
"I'll just say my motor on rebounding. I think just putting more of an emphasis on not only the offensive glass but the defensive glass as well. Lifting a lot, feel really strong, feel like I'm in great shape. So, it's really I think that's going to take a good jump this year," Nnaji said.
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There is history behind that weight room focus.
In 2022, Nnaji added around 10 pounds of muscle and reached roughly 250 pounds during an offseason program with Denver. The goal then was durability, with the Nuggets focusing on strengthening his ankles and joints.
This summer's photos suggest a different kind of physical change. Nnaji remains listed at 6 '10 and 240 pounds, but his frame looks more defined than the build he worked toward earlier in his career. That matters because he needs to turn those physical tools into a clearer role.
Nnaji has remained with the Nuggets since they selected him No. 22 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. But his role has fluctuated. Last season, he appeared in 52 regular-season games and averaged 3.7 ppg and 2.6 rpg in 12 minutes per game.
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The Nuggets have reshaped their frontcourt
around that uncertainty.
Marvin Bagley III and rookie Trevon Brazile joined a group that also includes Aaron Gordon, DaRon Holmes II and Spencer Jones, while David Adelman is now the head coach.
Looking at his physique and comments at Media Day, Nnaji's target is straightforward. He needs to become a more consistent rebounder while using his strength and conditioning to compete harder for possessions.
Jamal Murray's "drug test incoming" joke also has a basis in NBA culture.
Players can face up to six random, unannounced urine tests each year, plus three random blood tests for human growth hormone. Testing is conducted independently, and additional testing can happen for unreasonable cause.
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The joke has become familiar when a teammate suddenly looks dramatically more muscular. Sometimes, even after a high-scoring game.
For Nnaji, the physical change comes at an important time for the Nuggets. The team went 54-28 last season but was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. The Nuggets also ranked 21st in defensive rating, the second straight season they finished outside the league's top 20.
That leaves Nnaji with more than a new physique to show off.
He is fighting for a place in a frontcourt that needs reliable defense, rebounding, and physicality around Nikola Jokic. If the stronger version of Nnaji can bring those qualities consistently, the summer work could matter far more than how he looks in a Media Day photo.
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Nnaji doesn't need to become a star. He needs to make smaller plays that keep a second unit functional, particularly on the glass and against bigger lineups.
For a team coming off an early playoff exit, these details matter. Jamal Murray's joke may have started the conversation. But Nnaji's real test is whether the work behind those photos can earn him a bigger role.
Jamal Murray may have been kidding about the next call from the testing department. Nnaji's actual test begins on the court.
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