2023 NBA Draft pick James Nnaji commits to Baylor…
It’s a pick and enroll.
James Nnaji, a 2023 NBA Draft pick, has enrolled at Baylor and is immediately eligible to play for the Bears this season, according to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express.
It’s an uncommon development for a draft pick to return to college, but the loophole is simple: Nnaji, 21, never signed an NBA contract.
The Nigerian big man, then just 18 years previous, was taken thirty first total by the Hornets in 2023 but instead continued his profession abroad.
His draft rights had been then acquired by the Knicks in the three-team commerce that introduced famous person Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks before the 2024-25 season.
James Nnaji of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the sport against the Brooklyn Nets during the 2025 NBA Summer League sport on July 15, 2025 at the Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NBAE via Getty Images
Nnaji has spent the majority of his worldwide profession with FC Barcelona, but he cut up last season between Spain and Turkey.
In 22 whole video games cut up between Bàsquet Girona and Turkey’s Yukatel Merkezefendi last season, he averaged 6.1 factors, 4.1 rebounds and one block in just over 16 minutes per sport.
This past summer season, his agent, Gerard Raventos, told The Post that Nnaji was pursuing a profession in the United States and joined the Knicks’ summer season league squad.
“Hopefully after [the summer league], we can reach an agreement,” Raventos said. “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.”
James Nnaji of the Charlotte Hornets rebounds the ball during the sport against the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2023 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2023 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NBAE via Getty Images
In 5 summer season league contests, Nnaji averaged 3.2 factors and 3.6 rebounds over 5 video games.
The Knicks didn’t signal Nnaji to the NBA workforce, and now he’s set to resume his profession in the US at the collegiate stage.
With the transfer, Nnaji might swimsuit up for the 9-2 Baylor Bears as soon as Baylor’s Big 12 opener Jan. 3 against TCU.
“James is a really talented young player with a ton of potential, and we’re excited to welcome him to the Baylor Family,” head coach Scott Drew said. “Any time you add someone to the roster midseason, it’s going to be a process to get them acclimated and up to speed, but we know James will do everything he can to make it a seamless transition.”
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