What happened with James Nnaji? Racist slur controversy explained

James Nnaji of FC Barcelona basketball is one of the top international prospects in the 2023 NBA draft. Nnaji has been with Barcelona since 2020 and is a projected mid to late first-round pick.

Ahead of Thursday's draft in New York City, Nnaji was still playing for Barcelona in the 2023 Liga ACB Finals against bitter rivals Real Madrid on Tuesday. However, there was a disturbing and unfortunate incident before Game 3.

According to EuroBasket, Nnaji was subjected to racial slurs and abuse by Madrid fans. Barcelona players were coming out of the team bus outside WiZink Center, when several fans started jeering their rivals. However, when Nnaji came out of the bus, racial slurs were hurled towards the 18-year-old Nigerian big man.

Racial chants have been an issue in Spanish sports, with Real Madrid football star Vinicius Jr. being subjected to abuse by Valencia fans earlier this year. The Brazilian winger even called out La Liga for the abuse he has endured since arriving in Spain in 2018.

Meanwhile, Barcelona coach and former NBA player Sarunas Jasikevicius called out fans following their Game 3 win, sweeping Real Madrid to win their 17th Spanish championship.

"I want to talk about what happened with James Nnaji," Jasikevicius said. "It's unfortunate; it can't be. I hear a lot about Vinicius, and, now, we have to talk about what's happening. This has to stop now. This doesn't go with Real Madrid's values."

He continued:

"The truth is that we have to be very angry. This can't be. I don't care if he's a player for Real Madrid, Barcelona or any team; this can't be. We have to fight for this, and we're going to fight for this. It’s more important than the title." (h/t EuroBasket)

Barcelona has condemned the actions of Real Madrid fans, in a statement released on Wednesday. The club wants the Liga ACB to investigate the incident and hand out the right punishment.

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James Nnaji projected as first-round pick in 2023 NBA draft

James Nnaji (Photo:James Nnaji/Twitter)

James Nnaji is considered one of the best international prospects in the 2023 NBA draft.

Nnaji is an 18-year-old center, who has one of the most impressive physical stats ever. He stands at 7 feet and weighs 251 pounds. He has a wingspan of 7' 7.25". While Nnaji is considered a raw prospect and a possible stash, his potential as a defensive player is his biggest asset.

He worked out with NBA veteran Serge Ibaka in preparation for the draft. Nnaji is also an excellent rim and pick-and-roll runner for his age.

ESPN, SB Nation and CBS Sports have Nnaji as the 26th overall pick by the Indiana Pacers in their mock drafts.

The Athletic and Yahoo! Sports have him going early in the second round at No. 32 for defending champions Denver Nuggets. However, Yahoo! Sports have him 34th overall, while NBADraft.net predicts him dropping until the 42nd overall selection.