Latest news with #Nnaji
USA Today
19 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Report: Knicks prospect James Nnaji expected to play in NBA Summer League
Report: Knicks prospect James Nnaji expected to play in NBA Summer League Nigerian center James Nnaji is reportedly expected to play with the New York Knicks in the NBA Summer League, according to Jared Schwartz of the New York Post. The Knicks acquired the draft rights to Nnaji from the Charlotte Hornets as part of the three-team trade involving Karl-Anthony Towns. Nnaji is currently in New York, working out with the team in preparation for their upcoming stint in the annual summer showcase. Nnaji, the 31st pick in the 2023 NBA draft, played last season with Girona on loan from Barcelona, averaging 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds in the Spanish League. He informed the team that he planned on moving to the United States to compete for a roster spot with the Knicks. Nnaji got a late start in basketball, only beginning to play in 2017. He joined Ratgeber Basketball Academy in Hungary and played one season with Pecsi in the top league in the country before signing with Barcelona in August 2020. The 7-footer spent three seasons with Barcelona at the junior and senior levels before Charlotte selected him in the second round. He suited up with the Hornets in summer league, averaging 3.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and two blocks in six appearances. Nnaji, 20, is highly touted because of his ability to rebound on both ends of the court and play with physicality in the post. He is very mobile for his size and boasts a 7-foot, 7-inch wingspan that enables him to get deflections and block shots at a high level. The 2025 NBA Summer League, featuring all 30 teams, will take place July 10-20 at the Thomas & Mack Center and Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
New York Post
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Intriguing 7-foot Knicks prospect James Nnaji leaving Europe for Summer League chance
The Knicks have an intriguing new big man in the mix. James Nnaji informed Barcelona that he intends to leave and pursue a career in the U.S. with the Knicks, The Post confirmed. Advertisement The Knicks acquired the rights to Nnaji from the Hornets as part of the three-team Karl-Anthony Towns trade last offseason. He's already in New York and working out with the Knicks, his agent Gerard Raventos told The Post. Nnaji expects to be with the team at Summer League with a chance to make the roster. 'Hopefully after [the Summer League], we can reach an agreement,' Raventos said. Advertisement 'That's the plan, from both sides. It's 50-50, it depends how he does. He's coming in great shape. … Everything will be based on his performances in the Summer League.' The Knicks acquired James Nnaji's rights in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade. Europa Press via Getty Images The Hornets originally drafted Nnaji, still just 20 years old, with the 31st pick in the 2023 draft, and he opted to stay in Europe the last two seasons. Advertisement A Nigerian native, he had some of the best measurables in the 2023 class. According to his official draft measurables, he was listed at 7-foot and 251 pounds with a 7-foot-7 wingspan and 9-foot-4 standing reach at the time. He spent most of last season on loan with Girona, averaging 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Advertisement Nnaji also spent time with Turkish side Yukatel Merkezefendi Basket, where he averaged 7.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. The Knicks are likely to lose some of their frontcourt depth in Precious Achiuwa, who is a free agent. James Nnaji in 2024. Getty Images Beyond Towns and Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks also have Ariel Hukporti, who was selected with the No. 58 pick and the Knicks acquired on draft night last year, as a reserve big man. He did not have much of a role last year as a rookie while also missing time with a knee injury. He averaged 1.9 points and 2.0 rebounds in 25 games. Barring a salary dump before June 30, the Knicks have very little ability to add new pieces in free agency. They won't have any cap space, and will only be able to sign players to a minimum contract or as part of the taxpayer's $5.7 million exception. Advertisement Nnaji, who would likely not command more than a minimum contract, could represent one path for them to add new talent given those constraints. His offensive game is clearly not yet polished, but he has the tools and physical makeup to develop into a strong rim protector and rebounder for a new head coach to consider.
