The Karl-Anthony Towns trade shook the NBA world to its core. While fans were divided on the benefit of this trade because of Towns’ flaws, analysts and NBA media members have crowned this an awesome trade for the Knicks. The Knicks’ title odds have improved drastically, and they are now considered one of the best starting fives in the NBA come opening day. The full returns of the trades are Karl-Anthony Towns and James Nnaji. While KAT is the biggest piece in this trade, who exactly is James Nnaji?
Knicks Acquire Hidden Gem James Nnaji in KAT Trade
Win the 1st pick of the 2nd-round in the 2023 NBA draft, the Detroit Pistons drafted James Nnaji. Nnaji, a 20-year-old center from Makurdi, Nigeria was considered the best physical prospect in the draft. Standing at 6-foot-11, 251 pounds with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, he had the best body in last year’s draft.
I’m a James Nnaji believer. 2023 draft profile: https://t.co/2ZcfeeE5mj pic.twitter.com/tOsKorqURv
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) October 2, 2024
Skill Set
Playing for Barca in the Liga ACB, Nnaji is a versatile big who can dominate both ends of the floor. He’s a big who loves playing in the paint and has traits that Thibs will love. During his time in the ACB, Nnaji has been an elite defender, averaging 2.2 blocks per 36 minutes. To put that in context, 2.2 blocks per would have ranked sixth in the league last season. Similar to Victor Wembanyama last season, Nnaji’s mere presence in the Liga ACB was enough to scare players away from the rim. He’s not great on the perimeter, but that’s fine. The Knicks are built to play outside and defend on the perimeter, so adding a big who exclusively plays inside should not be a major issue.
Much like Aaron Gordon for the Nuggets, Nnaji likes playing in the dunker’s spot right under the rim and is a highly efficient finisher. Additionally, he’s a willing screen setter which gives the Knicks another option to open men up for Jalen Brunson. All of James Nnaji’s offense comes through rolling to the basket or alley-oops, eerily similar to Mitchell Robinson. He has safe hands, and is a far better free-throw shooter, shooting over 64.7% in the 2023-24 season.
Role on the Knicks
Is it far-fetched to say Nnaji could be the Knicks’ backup center until Robinson comes back? Nnaji turned 20 just 50 days ago and gives the Knicks an elite physical prospect on a pennies contract. The Knicks have the opportunity to develop him and make him a valuable contributor for this year and years to come. Unless Jericho Sims can somehow achieve a new level, Nnaji starts the season over him on the depth chart.
Nnaji is a better physical prospect than Precious Achiuwa and gives the Knicks a better shot at holding up against the elite bigs in the Eastern Conference. His size makes him a better offensive player than Achiuwa, and he might be a better defender as the season goes him.
The Last Word on James Nnaji
Here’s the most intriguing question surrounding this young man. Depending on his showing this preseason, is there any chance he will become a starter this season? He gives the Knicks a big in the interior, similar to Minnesota’s Twin Towers lineup with KAT and Rudy Gobert. KAT can run the four, while Nnaji plays the five. Furthermore, the Knicks guards and wings are far better three-point shooters than the ones Minnesota had last season. But, no matter what happens, the Knicks have gotten a steal in this trade. KAT is easily the best player in the trade, but don’t be surprised if Nnaji becomes an elite role player for the Knicks. How do Leon Rose and Brock Aller do this?
