June 24, (THEWILL) – The Charlotte Hornets have made an exciting acquisition in the form of James Nnaji, a promising basketball talent from Nigeria.
Following the completion of the 2023 National Basketball Association draft, Nnaji found his way to the Hornets through a series of trades involving the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics. Standing at 6-10, the 18-year-old centre was the sole Nigerian representative in this year’s draft and secured the 31st overall position as the first pick in the second round.
Having spent the past two seasons playing for FC Barcelona in the Spanish ACB league and EuroLeague, Nnaji brings valuable experience to the Hornets. During the 2022/2023 season, he displayed his skills in 27 games, averaging 4.9 points and 3.0 rebounds in approximately 12.2 minutes per game. Nnaji exhibited his efficiency on the court, shooting an impressive 67.1% from the field.
Nnaji’s abilities have garnered attention from the NBA, which praised his outstanding movement skills, defensive capabilities, and agility despite his size. Known for his precise footwork and ability to defend in open spaces, Nnaji has also showcased excellent body control on his spin moves.
On the offensive end, he excels in close-range scoring, demonstrating exceptional leaping and finishing abilities. His effectiveness in pick-and-roll plays has solidified his reputation as a formidable player.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
