Although every fan of Wisconsin Badger basketball likely knows, and is hopefully fond of, senior big man Nolan Winter, many may not know just how good of a player he is. Winter’s game isn’t the sexiest, and he isn’t a guy who will light up the scoresheet with 30-plus-point outings, but his impact on a game-to-game basis is noticeable.
Even better, it seems as if, at least based on Wisconsin’s recent exhibition matchup against UW-Parkside, Winter has only gotten better. Because of this, it’s become hard for the 7-footer to keep his name off draft radars, as at the end of the day, he has a skill set teams covet.
Jonathan Wasserman, an NBA Draft evaluator for Bleacher Report, described Winter as the “typical screen and score big.” This is, of course, true to a certain extent, as he ranks in the 86th percentile in scoring efficiency as a roll man, while also offering some gravity as a floor spacer, an aspect of his game that many hope he can expand on.
Nolan Winter | Wisconsin PF/C, 20 y/o
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) October 12, 2026
-6'11" 235 -Textbook screen and score big: 71% FG on rolls, 41% pops
-Fluid mover, coordinated finisher. Threat to attack closeouts, fake DHOs
-30+ 3PTM in b2b seasons
-Efficient: 65% TS, 7.4 TO%, 18% USG
-Limited rim pro/D-potential… pic.twitter.com/adY5j9lE3j
However, Winter also offers a fair amount of versatility on the defensive side of things, something that most people tend to overlook. Last season, he posted a career-high 4.5% block percentage and has yet to have anywhere near a negative DBPM in his Badger tenure.
His rim protection capabilities, paired with surprisingly solid foot speed, allow Greg Gard to deploy him in a variety of defensive coverages, a trait that could be further exemplified with newfound defensive isolation.
Unlocking his upside
The next step for Winter is expanding his offensive skill set, which, as previously mentioned, it seems as if he has done. He has already displayed the ability to finish in scenarios in which he was properly set up, but self-creation has been an aspect of his game that he hasn’t quite unlocked up to this point.
Last season, Winter ranked in the 67th percentile in post-up scoring efficiency, but just the 34th percentile in frequency. Similarly, he ranked in the 65th percentile in spot-up scoring, but just the 23rd percentile in frequency.
Nolan Winter is getting drafted. The only question is whether he’s a first- or second-round pick.
— JPR (@Scouting_Col) July 3, 2026
A true 7-footer with a rare skillset, elite offensive impact, and only continues to get stronger. I like him as an NBA prospect even more than Henri Veesaar. pic.twitter.com/QrGehj0iO4
Winter clearly has something to offer in those more self-reliant scenarios; it’s just a matter of getting him to unlock it at a more consistent rate while also remaining efficient in the process. On top of that, if his offensive workload were to increase, it’s also important that Winter doesn’t lose the ancillary impact he has had in years past.
It’s a tough balance to figure out on the fly, but if the Badgers wish to reach their ultimate ceiling this year, then the key could very well be unlocking the fourth-year big man from Minnesota.
Add us as a preferred source on Google