Knicks Could Be Adding 7’7 Wingspan Beast to Rotation 👀

Knicks Could Be Adding 7’7 Wingspan Beast to Rotation 👀

knicks fans we have a massive update james Naji the 6’11 freak athlete with a 7 foot7 wingspan that the Knicks quietly picked up in the town’s trade has officially told Barcelona that he wants out and is ready to pursue the NBA and guess what he could be suiting up for the Knicks as soon as this summer league and let me tell you if Naji pans out the Knicks might have just added another elite rim protector without giving up a single rotation piece so let’s talk about who Naji is what his potential role could be and why the Knicks center depth could quietly become one of the deepest and most intriguing in the league first off if you’re not familiar do not worry most Knicks fans aren’t yet but here’s the breakdown james Naji is a 20-year-old Nigerian center who was drafted 31st overall in 2023 by Charlotte before his rights were ultimately sent to the Knicks in the CAT trade before the 2023 NBA draft he measured at 7 foot0 in shoes 250 lbs 7 foot7 wingspan and 9 foot4 standing reach let that sink in physically the guy is a monster these are borderline Webby measurements and it’s not just size he moves incredibly well for his frame elite vertical pop good instincts as a help defender and real mobility in pick and roll coverage espn even said pre-draft that Naji had quote some of the best physical tools of any prospect in the class he’s been stashed overseas since being drafted with Barcelona and now according to Athlon Sports and multiple Euro outlets he’s officially informed Barcelona that he wants to make the jump to the NBA and the Knicks hold his rights that means this summer league you might just see him in orange and blue all right so where would Naji fit into the Knicks rotation let’s break this down the current Nick center situation looks like this mitchell Robinson when healthy is still one of the most dominant rim protectors in the NBA but his contract extension is coming up and his health continues to be a concern next up is Ariel Hakporti entering his second year and the Knicks front office is extremely high on him he showed flashes in situational minutes this season a bruising efficient rebounder who plays with a ton of energy and lastly is Precious Aua the expectation is that he’s likely gone in free agency unless he gets no real offers and circles back on a minimum deal he’s not expected back that opens the door james Naji could slide into that third center role or if he shows enough upside he could even challenge Hooki for backup minutes behind Mitch we are talking about a guy who brings length motor and raw potential and you already know how much the Knicks front office values elite defenders and in terms of the plan with him the expectation is that Naji could get signed to either a two-way deal or a cheap 2 to three-year contract that gives the Knicks control while he develops and NBA cap specialist Yosi Goslin says this could be significant for the Knicks they could sign James Naji to the rookie minimum which is $1 million less than the veteran minimum since he’s a former second round pick that they have the rights to if that would happen they would get more room to use the $5.7 million tax mid-level exception under the second apron but here’s the key if he balls out in summer league and shows that he can hang with NBA speed don’t be surprised if the Knicks lock him in for the full 15-man roster they don’t have many roster spots left but one could be set aside for a costcontrolled high upside rim protector like Naji and especially if they see him as a developmental long-term replacement for Mitch all eyes are going to be on him in July if he plays in summer league so what do we need to see mobility on switches discipline finishing and effort if the answer is yes to even half of that Naji becomes one of the more exciting stash projects that we’ve had in years so look you’re obviously not bringing in James Naji to start game one but what the Knicks have done really well in recent years is build smart depth and if Naji develops the right way he’s not just a backup he’s a weapon a 7-ft rim runner who can fly out of nowhere and swat layups into the third row yeah I’ll take that so what do you all think Nick’s fans should Naji be added to the 15-man roster or should he start on a two-way and work his way up drop your thoughts in the comments and as always if you did enjoy this video make sure to hit that like button and subscribe to the channel for more Nicks news and updates you will not want to miss all summer long it’s been KNYT here and I’ll see you guys in the next one

James Nnaji — the 6’11”, 251-pound Nigerian center with a 7’7 wingspan — has officially informed Barcelona that he plans to leave and pursue the NBA. The Knicks acquired his draft rights in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, and now he’s expected to join the Knicks Summer League roster in July.

With Precious Achiuwa likely gone, Ariel Hukporti entering Year 2, and Mitchell Robinson extension talks looming… could Nnaji carve out a role in this Knicks rotation?

Plus: NBA cap expert Yossi Gozlan reports that the Knicks could sign Nnaji to a rookie minimum deal — giving them extra room to use their $5.7M taxpayer MLE while staying below the second apron. All the signs point to the Knicks believing in Nnaji.

Let’s talk about why he might be next up.

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