NBA media, fans are losing their minds after the recent signing of Baylor’s New York draft pick

In a rare turn of events, New York KnicksJames Nnaji received NCAA eligibility and is headed to Baylor to play college basketball for the Bears. Nnaji was a second round pick in 2023. He was originally projected to be a first-round pick before the Detroit Pistons selected him 31st overall in the second round. However, after multiple former G League players were sanctioned by the NCAA earlier this year, the former second-round pick is returning to school.

It’s the best going back to college basketballaccording to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.

“James Nnaji, the 31st pick in the 2023 NBA draft, has committed to Baylor, agents Gerard Raventos and Deirunas Wysockas of Gersh Sports told DraftExpress. Monumental development: The former NBA draft pick is immediately eligible to play college basketball this season,” Givony reported.

News of Nnaji’s return to NCAA basketball didn’t sit well with some, including Field of 88’s Sean Paul, who is more sympathetic to G League players and undrafted players, but Nnaji’s latest move it doesn’t suit him well.

“Okay, I think this is where I draw the line. You can’t get drafted and play college basketball. I don’t care that much about the G-League crap because none of the guys were drafted or were ever considered to be drafted. James Nnaji was damn near a first-round pick,” Paul said.

Paul’s fellow former ESPN writer, Jeff Goodman, agrees.

“It’s hard to blame Scott Drew or any of the college coaches for this if the NCAA allows it. But now it’s become a complete joke because there are no rules anymore,” Goodman said. “Now it’s just ‘make it up as you go’. And where does it end?”

NBA media, other reactions to James Nnaji’s transfer to Baylor

Knicks James Nnaji was a projected first round pick before falling to the 31st pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. For many, Nnaji’s opportunities, which included playing in the Hungarian League and with FC Barcelona, ​​should make him ineligible. However, this does not seem to be the case.

however, rare move confused NBA analysts, some of whom have spoken out, including NBA insider Keith Smith.

“I don’t know how to figure out that’s a thing,” Smith said. “But good for Nnaji and good for the Knicks (they acquired Nnaji’s draft rights as a “something” from the Hornets in the KAT deal) who will be able to see him play here in the state. Definitely an interesting new situation.”

Baylor has yet to issue a statement.