James Nnaji Heads to Baylor, Pistons Take Note

James Nnaji, the Nigerian center Detroit picked 31st in the 2023 draft who has been playing in Europe, is enrolling at Baylor and is doing so "with an eye toward suiting up for the Bears this season," according to DraftExpress' Jonathan Givony. The move shifts his development into the American college spotlight and could accelerate his path back toward the NBA while giving Baylor a long, athletic rim presence. Merlin sees a simple story of refinement. Baylor offers coaching, exposure and a cleaner showcase for scouts. If Nnaji lands on the floor, Baylor gets size and he gets a platform to prove he belongs in the next chapter. Eligibility and timing are the remaining spells to be cast.