According to multiple reports on Wednesday, the Knicks hold the NBA draft rights to James Nagy, who is set to join Baylor University with immediate eligibility to play college basketball this season. Jonathan Givony from DraftExpress first revealed this information, citing Nnaji’s agent at Gersh Sports.
The 21-year-old center participated in the Knicks’ 2025 Summer League, appearing in all five games in New York. He averaged 3.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in just under 13 minutes per game.
Listed at 6-foot-11 and 250 pounds on the Knicks’ Summer League roster, Nagy has spent the last five years playing professionally overseas.
Nagy was originally drafted by the Detroit Pistons with the 31st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft but was traded to the Charlotte Hornets. Later, in October 2024, the Knicks obtained his rights through a three-team trade involving the Hornets and Minnesota Timberwolves, which also brought Karl Anthony Towns to New York.
Originally from Makurdi, Nigeria, Nagy will continue his playing career at Baylor, a team currently holding a 9-2 record ahead of their upcoming game against Arlington Baptist. The Bears are set to start Big 12 Conference play at TCU on Saturday, January 3rd.
Fan Take: This development is exciting for basketball fans as it highlights the increasing fluidity between professional and college basketball pathways, allowing talented players like Nagy to gain valuable experience in both arenas. It could also strengthen Baylor’s roster, making their Big 12 campaign more competitive and captivating for supporters of the sport.
