James Nnaji

Team: FC Barcelona, Spain

Height: 208 cm / 6’8″

Weight: 101 kg / 224 lbs

Wingspan:  226 cm / 7’5″

Born: August 14, 2004

James Nnaji is without a doubt the best big man in this year’s NBA draft coming out of European competitions behind the French unicorn Victor Wembanyama. With one of the best teams in Europe and EuroLeague final four participant FC Barcelona, the 18-year-old is playing a solid season in which he has steadily improved individually and his basketball-IQ, while getting regular playing time primarily in the Spanish league (but also sometimes in the EuroLeague) and regularly providing highlights above the ring level. Nnaji is an over average athlete with a tremendous combination of size, NBA-ready athleticism, and strength, which is the door opener for his NBA career.

STATS

• Averages:

ACB League: 32 games played, 11:10 MIN, 4.7 PTS, +1.2 +/-, 2.7 REB (1 OREB), 0.3 ASS, 0.3 STL, 0.7 BL(69.3% 2FG, 53.8% FT), 1.4 FLS

Euroleague: 19 games played, 6:30 MIN, -2.6 +/-, 2 PTS, 1.4 REB (0.5 OREB), 0.4 ASS, 0.1 STL, 0.5 BL (36.4 % 2P%, 22.2 % 3P%, 100% FT%), 0.9 FLS

• Per40:

ACB: 16.8 PTS, 9.4 REB (3.7 OREB), 0.9 ASS, 0.9 STL, 2.5 BL

Euroleague: 12.3 PTS, 6.6 REB (3.2 OREB), 2.6 ASS, 0.3 STL, 3.2 BL 

STRENGTHS

• Showcase athlete especially in terms of bounce, mobility and strength
• Good defensive presence showing advanced tendencies in playing helpside defense and protecting the rim
• Great big man basics regarding screen setting (broad built and quick feet) 
• Over average rebounder with good engagement on the offensive board
• Quick and productive roller and rim runner who finishes easily above ring level, also in cutting scenes from dunker spot

IMPROVEMENT AREAS

• No floor spacing ability, paired with a below average free-throw percentage
• His hands are still developable, but at the same time endowed with enormous potential
• Struggled occasionally, despite little playing time, with unnecessary foul trouble
• Motor falters at some stages of his playing time
• Processing speed and his awareness at both ends of the field still have room for improvement

OUTLOOK 

Nnaji made a nice leap forward in the 22/23 season. He understood the game better and better and developed a certain feel for the game, which is essential for young centers. Add to that his individual development in basic things like passing (hand skills) and shooting touch. Although the latter is still underdeveloped, he increased his free throw percentage by 23% compared to last season and was also able to integrate a floater into his game occasionally to show productivity from the high-post or the short-role. Basically, to note that the impact he is already making at both ends of the floor is mainly through his physical and technical tools, gives him a lot of potential to grow into. Not being able to participate in pre-draft workouts due to his team’s playoff run shouldn’t hurt him at all, as he brings everything that makes him a legit first-round pick. In addition, he has a high level of adaptability, which will undoubtedly make it easier for him to get a direct start in the NBA. Not even 7 years ago, the Nigerian just started playing basketball and has already proven himself at the highest European level.

In conclusion, Nnaji can play a small, solid role in the upcoming NBA season and can compete immediately with his physical assets. I expect the biggest impact to come at the defensive end, where he can make valuable interventions with his presence and already good tendencies. Offensively in acting as a roller, while fighting for offensive rebounds and finishing lobs or putbacks.