James Nnaji enters 2023 NBA Draft / News - Basketnews.com

Despite limited playing time this season, NBA scouts have identified James Nnaji as one of the most physically gifted players in the upcoming draft. However, Nnaji, like other European-based prospects, may face scheduling challenges due to Barca's extended season potentially conflicting with pre-draft activities.

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix Credit ZUMAPRESS.com - Scanpix

FC Barcelona center James Nnaji has submitted paperwork to the league office to make himself eligible for this year's NBA draft, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

James Nnaji

Team:FC BarcelonaPosition:CAge:18Height:208 cmWeight:94 kgBirth place:NigeriaProfileNewsStatistics

Nnaji, who turns 19 on Aug. 14, is the second-youngest player currently projected to be drafted, per the same report.

The Nigerian player has averaged 2.0 points and 1.2 rebounds over 15 regular-season games (5.5 minutes) in the EuroLeague this season. His ACB League averages mark 4.8 points and 3.0 boards per game (11 minutes).

Givony writes that despite his lack of playing time, NBA scouts consider Nnaji perhaps the most physically gifted player in the 2023 draft, standing 6-foot-11 (2.11 m), 226 pounds (102.5 kg) with a 7-foot-5 wingspan (2.26 m).

The challenge Nnaji, like other European-based prospects, might face is his team's calendar, with a season likely to extend well into June.The extended Barcelona season can conflict with pre-draft activities like team workouts, scouting combines, and meetings with NBA teams.

However, Nnaji's agents have indicated that they are working with Barcelona to find a solution that would allow NBA teams to see him in action. Alternatively, teams may rely more heavily on game footage and scouting reports when evaluating Nnaji's potential.

The NBA combine will be held in Chicago from May 15 to 21, and the draft is scheduled for June 22 in Brooklyn, New York.

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