James Nnaji expects to stay in Barcelona / News - Basketnews.com

James Nnaji will play for Barcelona next season unless something drastically changes.

Credit: ZumaPress – Scanpix Credit ZumaPress – Scanpix

James Nnaji expects that his move to the NBA will have to wait for at least another year.

James Nnaji

Position:CAge:18Height:208 cmWeight:94 kgBirth place:NigeriaProfileNewsStatistics

The 18-year-old was selected with the 31st pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2023 NBA Draft. However, Nnaji thinks he will return to Europe.

"According to the information I have, yes, that's correct, I'm going to continue for another year [with Barca]," Nnaji told Toni Canyameras from Mundo Deportivo. "But I don't want to say yes or no either, we have to see how everything goes, the circumstances, it depends on what happens in the Summer League. But for now, I would say yes."

After being specified about the circumstances, Nnaji confirmed everything will depend on the Hornets' decision.

"It's up to the Hornets. They want to look at more options, and anything can happen, as I have said. There are also other issues, like the team's cap space and they have a full roster. They want to wait for a better situation, that's why they talk to me about [spending] a year [in Europe]," Nnaji said.

Nnaji was also asked about Nikola Mirotic and Sarunas Jasikevicius' departures from the club. The 18-year-old admitted that it's an unfortunate situation but believes that Roger Grimau will do the job.

"It is not a good thing because now they chose Grimau for the first team, and he faces a lot of pressure with the professional team and the EuroLeague. But I think he's going to do fantastic, and there haven't been so many changes in the team either, so Barca is going to be a solid team next season.

I have worked with Roger Grimau for three years, and he is a coach with a winning mentality and has good communication with the players, which is key. He is a magnificent coach. It will also be great for me because we know each other very well," Nnaji concluded.

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