Hornets nab Nnaji atop 2nd round via reported deal with Celtics
With the No. 31 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics took Barcelona big man James Nnaji and are trading the selection to the Charlotte Hornets, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania.
In exchange, the Hornets are sending picks 34 and 39 to Boston. The Celtics initially acquired the 31st pick in a reported deal with the Detroit Pistons, who originally owned the selection.
Nigerian-born Nnaji didn't participate in the NBA combine amid a European playoff run with Barcelona, for whom he came off the bench behind former NBAers Nikola Mirotic and Jan Vesely. Nnaji didn't start playing basketball until 2016 and is just 18 years old, making him a relative unknown among other first-round hopefuls.
One thing's for certain: Nnaji is among the most explosive players in the draft. Deceivingly quick despite a hulking frame, his leaping ability and wingspan make him a menace while facing the basket in close-range scenarios. The ceiling is high for a talent who's barely scratched the surface.
Bio
Position: Center/forward
Club: Barcelona
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 225 lbs
Wingspan: 7-foot-5
Max vertical: N/A
2022-23 stats with Barcelona (all competitions)
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | 68.9 | 0.0 | 47.5 | 2.3 | 0.3 | 3.7 |
Strengths
- Arguably the best dunker in the draft and a prime alley-oop target with a sizable catch radius.
- Skilled offensive rebounder capable of finishing putbacks or tap-outs to the perimeter.
- Solid PnR defender and shot-blocker prone to altering attacks.
Weaknesses
- Offensive game requires polish, especially in post-up scenarios and with his back to the basket.
- Lacks a feel for the game and is liable to make poor decisions at the offensive end.
- Very one-dimensional and lacks a well-rounded game.
- Poor free-throw shooter.
NBA comparable: Robert Williams. Like the Boston Celtics center, Nnaji fits the profile of a physically gifted rim-protector with an astonishing wingspan and bounce. It remains to be seen if Nnaji can become a legitimate DPOY contender like Williams has in his five years in Beantown.