The NBA draft had no surprise in its first pick. Frenchman Victor Wembanyama was the obvious choice for the job
It should not be forgotten that great stars have emerged in the league after being in positions far from the top in the draft. Without going any further, the recent champion and MVP of the NBA finals, Nikola Jokic, was chosen at number 41 in 2014. Another star, like Kobe Bryant, was ranked 13th in 1996.
The Nigerian has yet to show all the potential that is expected of him, due to the limited participation he had at Barça due to his young age. However, Nnaji’s physical power, his mentality and his defensive strengths can catapult him into the NBA.
The pivot has been part of the Barça youth academy since 2020, and last season he accumulated just 12 minutes and 27 appearances, after being crowned champion of the Endesa League. Now his future could continue to be at the Palau Blaugrana, since having been chosen in the second round, he does not have a guaranteed contract in the NBA.
Everything will depend on the negotiations and the wishes of Nnaji, who has a contract with Barcelona until 2027. However, the greatest possibility is that the center will remain in the Barça ranks for one more season.
The American point guard was called by many as the favorite to leave the second pick in the draft, and although he was finally third, he is one of the most striking prospects in the league. Henderson needs little space to shoot and his brash personality, constantly taunting his opponents, is sure to bring a show to the NBA.
The Mexican positioned himself as the only Hispanic in the entire draft. Qualified as “the best footwork in the entire draft” by The Ringer, he also stands out for his good handling of the change of pace. He surprised many who were expecting him as a second-round pick and now he must show why his play at UCLA landed him in the top 20.
One of the biggest surprises, but negative. Whitmore was expected as a top 5 in the draft, it was even expected that the Rockets would take him in the fourth position, but his injuries raised doubts in the franchises and he ended up falling to the 20th position (still, in Houston). “I’ve been overlooked many times in my life, I’m just happy to be in the NBA,” the forward told The Athletic’s Kelly Iko.
Overshadowed by Victor Wembanyama, with whom he shared a team in the French Metropolitans 92, Coulibaly was one of the greatest potentials with the fewest focuses prior to the draft. He consolidated himself this season and with his size he could become one of the surprises in the NBA for years to come.
