The Baylor Bears just got a huge boost to their roster in the form of a former NBA draft pick who can join the team immediately.
WACO, Texas — In June 2023, Nigerian center James Nnaji was drafted 31st overall in the NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons.
In a stunning roster move announced Wednesday, Baylor men’s basketball head coach Scott Drew confirmed Nnaji would join his squad after Juslin Bodo Bodo suffered a setback in his return from an offseason injury.
“James is a really talented young player with a ton of potential,” Drew said. “Any time you add someone to the roster midseason, it’s going to be a process … but we know James will do everything we can to make it a seamless transition.”
How is Baylor allowed to add Nnaji?
Nnaji’s path to Baylor is unprecedented.
After being drafted by the Pistons, his rights were traded to the Charlotte Hornets. He would even play for the Hornets in the NBA Summer League against San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, in just 13 minutes of action.
Nnaji would remain with FC Barcelona, but spent his time overseas being loaned out to other teams. During that time, Nnaji’s rights were again traded, this time to the New York Knicks, as part of a 3-team trade that included Karl-Anthony Towns.
Most recently, Nnaji played for the Knicks in the 2025 NBA Summer League, as it was announced that he and FC Barcelona mutually parted ways.
Despite his experience playing in the NBA Summer League, Nnaji never signed an NBA contract or played in a regular NBA game, meaning Nnaji can join Baylor and play immediately, while retaining four years of eligibility.
Nnaji’s move comes after the NCAA decided that some former NBA G League players to return to college to play basketball.
While it’s unclear when Nnaji will make his debut, Baylor still has a few days before it faces off at home against Arlington Baptist. Big 12 Conference play begins Jan. 3, 2026, on the road against TCU.