2023 NBA draft pick commits to Baylor, will join mid-season: 'This s*** is crazy'

Key Highlights

• In September 2024, his rights were traded to the New York Knicks as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks. Despite getting drafted, Nnaji never played in an NBA regular-season game, only playing for the Hornets in the 2023 Summer Classic and the Knicks' 2025 Summer League team.
• For New York, he averaged 3.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in five games.
• He has been playing professionally in Spain for FC Barcelona.
• He and the team parted ways in August. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt's certainly unusual to see an NBA draft pick play college basketball, but it's the latest sign of the line of amateurism being blurred.
• With name, image and likeness running wild in college sports, the NCAA has changed eligibility guidelines to where athletes who have played professionally have been able to play collegiately. It's typically been done with international players, but it's leaked to those who have played in the NBA G League, which has drawn the ire of coaches across the country. Charlotte Hornets center James Nnaji (46) during the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Golden 1 Center. Reactions to James Nnaji joining BaylorAs news of Nnaji's commitment to Baylor spread on Dec.