James Nnaji propels Barcelona to destroy Bayern Munich

Nigerian professional basketball player James Nnaji featured for Barcelona in the resounding victory against Bayer Munich off the bench as part of the second rotation. X/Barca Basket

James Nnaji propels Barcelona to destroy Bayern Munich

Tosin Abayomi 22:20 - 20.10.2023

19-year-old Nigerian James Nnaji is now a key player for Barcelona, and he proved that against Bayern Munich.

Barcelona's 2023–24 EuroLeague season is off to a fantastic start.

At Palau Blaugrana, Roger Grimau's team stunned Bayern Munich with a final score of 98-59 after initial victories against Anadolu Efes, Olympiacos, and Partizan.

With 15 points, Jabari Parker led the Barcelona team in scoring.

Jan Vesely followed with 14, and Willy Hernangomez and James Nnaji also finished in double digits with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Nigerian professional basketball youngster James Nnaji played a pivotal role for Barcelona as they defeated Real Madrid to win the Spanish crown and was racially abused but will now play for the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA
Nigerian professional basketball youngster James Nnaji played a pivotal role for Barcelona as they defeated Real Madrid to win the Spanish crown and was racially abused but will now play for the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA

James Nnaji for Barcelona against Bayern Munich

Nigerian professional basketball player James Nnaji featured for Barcelona in the resounding victory off the bench as part of the second rotation.

In 10 minutes and 23 seconds of action, he contributed 10 points, one assist, and three rebounds.

However, in 14 minutes of action, James Nnaji grabbed five rebounds and was able to produce two spectacular blocks late in the game for the win. - X/Barca Basket
However, in 14 minutes of action, James Nnaji grabbed five rebounds and was able to produce two spectacular blocks late in the game for the win. - X/Barca Basket

Barcelona gives James Nnaji the number 23 jersey

Barcelona basketball players have already been awarded the numbers they will wear ahead of the new season.

Nnaji is one of the team players who made a jersey number switch in the new season.

The 19-year-old now wears the iconic number 23 as opposed to the number 46 he wore last season.

Nnaji's jersey change now officially cements his promotion from the youth setup to the first team.

Charlotte Hornets send James Nnaji back to Barcelona

The Charlotte Hornets made a draft-day trade to obtain James Nnaji by swapping their 34th and 39th picks.

James Nnaji came off the bench to play for nine minutes and provided a spark for Barcelona. against Murcia
James Nnaji came off the bench to play for nine minutes and provided a spark for Barcelona. against Murcia

Nnaji became well-known thanks to his efforts for Barcelona last season.

He possesses NBA-caliber athleticism but is still an exceptionally undeveloped big-man prospect.

Fans of the Hornets, though, will not have the chance to watch their young potential play this summer.

The Charlotte Hornets made a draft-day trade on June 23 to obtain James Nnaji by swapping their 34th and 39th picks.
The Charlotte Hornets made a draft-day trade on June 23 to obtain James Nnaji by swapping their 34th and 39th picks.

After making moves to acquire Nnaji in the NBA Draft, the Hornets brought him to the United States for the Las Vegas Summer League to get a closer look at their new big-man prospect.

He is staying in Spain to continue developing in one of the best leagues in Europe.

Nnaji returns to action when Barcelona takes on Bilbao Basket in their next league game on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

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