2023 NBA Draft Roundtable: Grading the James Nnaji Pick

Our staff provides their grades for the Hornets' selection of James Nnaji with the 31st pick.

The Hornets have brought in James Nnaji with the 31st overall pick in the NBA Draft. Check out below how our staff has graded the pick on draft night.

Jon Yeager: B

I love the player, but he is definitely a stash candidate. After committing to Nick Richards and Mark Williams, Nnaji is at least a few years away from consistent rotation minutes in Charlotte. That's okay because he needs plenty of time to develop, but he has had exciting flashes as a play-finisher and rim protector. He has incredible length and is very mobile for his size. If he hits, this could end up being a steal for the Hornets.

Eric Barnes: B+

Another potential defensive anchor at the Center position. 7 foot with a 7’7 wingspan with a chiseled frame. Has a chance to continue to work on his game and find a role in the rotation one day. Potential stash candidate.

Matt Alquiza: B

Minutes will be hard to find behind Mark Williams and Nick Richards for the foreseeable future, but if Nnaji is stashed, I like the upside bet. Has all of the tools to be a Clint Capela-like rim protector.

Nichola Mullick: C-

Really. The Hornets traded up three selections to get Nnaji? I am not so sure that Charlotte needed to move up for him. I get why they took him as he is tremendous and that wingspan is what really helps him stand out, but I don't see where the minutes will be for him on this team. Nnaji is a depth piece, especially in the secound round. I am giving a C for the player, but the trade up is why I have this at a C-.

Ian Black: B-

Nnaji alters everything around the rim defensively and is a natural finisher around the rim. Super young player with the base to grow into a valuable rotation piece down the line. There are a couple other players I would’ve been interested in here instead, but Nnaji will do.

Austin Leake: B

I really like the idea of stashing James Nnaji behind Richards and Williams. At only just 18 years old he’s still very raw, but could have some potential. It will be interesting to see his development over the next couple of seasons.

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