James Nnaji, a 6-foot-11 forward playing with Barcelona, declared for the 2023 NBA draft on Thursday amid a promising three-year run in Spain.
The news was first reported by Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
Nnaji, born in Nigeria, is averaging 3.6 points and 2.2 rebounds on 67.9% shooting from the field in 38 games across Liga ACB and EuroLeague competition. He first started at the junior level with Barcelona in 2020 and earned a spot on the senior team last year.
The 18-year-old is highly touted for his ability to play with physicality down low. He is very mobile for his size and has found great success working in the paint. He will need to improve as an interior defender but with good size and athleticism, that should come with time.
🤯🤯🤯
𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗔𝗟📺 @MovistarPlus #LigaEndesa | @jamesnnaji_ #ListosParaRomperla pic.twitter.com/h2sCgWMB6K
— Liga Endesa (@ACBCOM) February 12, 2023
Nnaji is projected to be a late first-round pick given his potential and ability on both ends of the court. He has yet to fully showcase himself, playing on a stacked Barcelona team, but has offered glimpses of his potential when he has been on the court.
The NBA draft will take place on June 22.
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