Knicks' forgotten man abandons overseas contract to play for New York

The New York Knicks already have two talented centers.

Soon, they might have three.

James Nnaji, who the Pistons drafted 31st overall in 2023 before immediately trading him to the Hornets, plans to come play for New York. He has been playing overseas in Spain for Barcelona.

The Knicks acquired Nnaji as an extra piece in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade last year.

According to the New York Post, Nnaji is already in the Big Apple working out with the Knicks.

Nnaji's plan is to play in Summer League to try and make the team.

“That’s the plan, from both sides," agent Gerard Raventos told the New York Post. "It’s 50-50, it depends how he does. He’s coming in great shape… Everything will be based on his performances in the Summer League."

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Nnaji is still just 20 years old. He measures 7-feet tall with a 7-foot-7 wingspan.

Last season, Nnaji was actually loaned out to Girona, where he averaged 5.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. He has also played overseas in Turkey.

The Knicks could use a backup center with Precious Achiuwa slated to leave town. 

New York still has Towns and Mitchell Robinson in a tricky positional balance at the center spot.

Nnaji has been in the Barcelona system since 2020, never having come to play college basketball in the U.S. and instead developing fully there.

Now, he'll take his first shot at being an NBA player. At his size and length, Nnaji will have a real chance.

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