Nnaji, who the Detroit Pistons selected, was immediately traded to the Charlotte Hornets. His rights were traded to the New York Knicks in 2024 as part of the Karl-Anthony Towns deal. Nnaji never appeared in the NBA or the G League, allowing him to become eligible to play for Baylor.

Scott Drew and the team addressed the media on Sunday after receiving nationwide criticism for their addition of former NBA Draft selection and 7-foot center James Nnaji.

John Calipari is the leading voice in a chorus of college coaches wanting clearer rules and questioning James Nnaji's NCAA eligibility with Baylor.