7-foot Baylor rim-protector with pro pedigree and real upside
James Nnaji’s 2025-26 Baylor stint was short but intriguing: in 18 games, the 7-foot center averaged 1.5 points and 2.2 rebounds in 8.5 minutes while shooting 69.2% from the field[1][2]. His calling card is NBA-level size, physicality, and finishing touch around the rim, plus the unusual advantage of arriving with pro experience rather than the usual freshman learning curve[1][3]. The caution flag is health and consistency: he was still recovering from back surgery and missed time with undisclosed issues, which helps explain the limited role and uneven availability[4][5].
