Overview
Nunez signed with Real Madrid at age 10, ultimately making his professional tournament debut in the 2020 German Cup as a 15-year-old. He logged his first action with Real Madrid’s top team at 17 in 2021. A native of Madrid, Nunez has begun compiling a lengthy track record with the national team, winning gold at the FIBA U20 European Championship and logging 19.2 minutes per game across five appearances during the 2023 FIBA World Cup. He averaged 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 45.1% from the field and 32.1% from deep en route to Ulm winning the German championship in 2022-23. Nunez boosted his averages to 9.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.7 assists this season, although his efficiency dropped to 44.8% shooting from the field and 25.0% shooting from deep.
Analysis
A true point guard by most definitions, Nunez is a pass-first player with a workable shooting foundation who relies on his touch and quickness to get to the basket. The shooting remains a swing factor as Nunez has hit just 29.4% of 184 self-created 3s over the past two seasons. Nunez is also committing a turnover on 20.2% of his possessions, but his overall efficiency in points per possession plus assists ranks in the 91st percentile among all international competition this season. A 23.9% turnover rate as a pick-and-roll ball handler is especially alarming, but Nunez passes the eye test for his ability to rifle the ball across the floor and showcase chemistry with his bigs.
Projection
In addition to his offensive repertoire, Nunez brings active hands and good anticipation to jump passing lanes. His fundamental upbringing also generates defensive appeal and becoming a two-way point guard, similar to Tre Jones or the re-emergence of Kris Dunn in Utah, is firmly on the table if Nunez continues maturing physically and mentally. If he ultimately lacks the defensive prowess of Dunn but weaponizes his 3-point stroke at volume, Nunez could generate production along the lines of prime Cory Joseph. The 19-year-old’s decision-making is the wild card.
— Profile by RotoWire