Victor Wembanyama declares for 2023 NBA draft + Woj's latest on Nick Nurse, Ja Morant | NBA Today

Projected No. 1 NBA Draft pick and basketball phenom, Victor Wembanyama, makes his American television interview debut on NBA Today with Malika Andrews to officially announce his declaration for the 2023 NBA Draft. Then, Adrian Wojnarowski joins to deliver the latest on Nick Nurse being fired from the Toronto Raptors, Ja Morant's availability and more.
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[@scruffd0g193]

Wishing this kid nothing but the best, stays healthy and have a nice long hall of fame career.

[@Mitsuho629]

I'm a little scared for him. Tall dudes are so prone to injury. I hope he's the next Kevin Durant and not the next Greg Oden.

[@Ricky-oz4ic]

​@@Mitsuho629so he should go number 2

[@JayAre-fg9vv]

​@@Ricky-oz4ic stupid lol

[@nickjohnson394]

Hof

[@joshjoshjoshjoshjoshjoshj]

Sad that anything less than this and he will be considered a dissapointment

[@lukepittle8961]

He speaks so well, it’s not his first language either. He is absolute class and wish him a great career

[@penetratriodelsqautlage2094]

Speaks so well! Compliment given exclusively to black folks.. stop it already

[@Camefromnone]

Most Europeans speak like at least 2 languages I heard

[@fabtech0771]

@@Camefromnone yea but we Frenches are in the top 3 worst english speakers in Europe lol

[@Camefromnone]

@@fabtech0771 ohh I see why is that? Does it come from the fact y’all countries have been like rivals since forever ?

[@fabtech0771]

@@Camefromnone nah it's just that the English language is pretty much absent of our educational system

[@frmichaelsorial]

This guy will be the future face of the NBA. Such a humble young man but is going to take the association by storm. I give him 3-5 years before he’s competing consistently for the chip.

[@luishernandezzzz]

only 3 players have won nba champions from being number one in the draft.

[@yadant-m674]

@@luishernandezzzz what are u talking about 😂

[@hoebertrabeck1621]

@@luishernandezzzz bron, hakeem, kareem, larry bird (yes if you are drafted 1 year before you join the leauge you are even more than a nr. 1 pick) Kyrie, wiggins... the list goes on... in what world are you living?

[@marcusmarks9570]

@@luishernandezzzz How that doesn’t even make sense Tim Duncan and David Robinson already 2 and Lebron and Kyrie 2 more😂

[@fauxbro1983]

Anything can happen. Hopefully he stays healthy and progresses

[@threessixesandnines]

I’m a Laker fan, understand there’s absolutely zero chance we will have him, but I don’t think I’ve been so excited about a new player as much as I am Victor. I don’t care what team gets him, I’m rooting for his success all the way. 💯💪

[@DLA.]

Anyone but Houston or Orlando...ANYONE!

[@sevenster-bg1mj]

@@DLA. imagine okc gets lucky and get him lol have poku at the 3 chet at the 4 wemby at the 5 lmfao triple twig of doom

[@bilindabutcher8913]

​@@DLA. they would be scary in Orlando with Wemby, Paolo, Franz, and Wendell Carter, Fultz That would easily be the best or 2nd best young core alongside OKC

[@e.b.6144]

@ THREE SIXES AND NINES: Go eat a Dalai Lama tongue taco, you lame.

[@mortystraphouse5077]

@@DLA. no pistons either

[@charliecheetah4654]

It’s all about where he goes. If he goes to Houston, it’ll be a rough go. Those dudes may not pass him the ball. In San Antonio, Pop will fully develop him before he retires. This is the first time I think they should fix the lottery for the Spurs

[@russellwestbrookyellingatw9381]

He's going to Charlotte

[@richbrokeboy7892]

Detroit has the best play makers to get him the ball Cade and ivy played Pg this year forcing him to learn how to pass

[@jeanloverme6466]

@@richbrokeboy7892 Detroit is a sound choice for him.

[@charliecheetah4654]

@@russellwestbrookyellingatw9381 no one knows yet, but good luck to them

[@H.B172]

@@russellwestbrookyellingatw9381 if he is going to hornet lamelo career would be saved

[@quaakes]

Humble kid. Hope he gets to play for Gregg Popovich down in SA. That would be 🔥

[@GreatestManAlive]

same, god forbid he ends up in Detroit

[@quaakes]

@@GreatestManAlive lmfao. Tbh though, he’d make any team significantly better. I’d love to see him in San Antonio or Charlotte with Lamelo Ball. They could be magic and kareem 2.0

[@HampETX903]

Pop retiring after this year

[@Netsfan24]

@@GreatestManAlive if he goes to detriot he'll be the matt stafford of the nba

[@SwisherHoops]

Fr

[@rcmjc9072]

Wishing this kid good health!! let's see what he can do against the best competition.

[@DwayneIsK1NG]

As a fan of basketball and the NBA, I REALLY hope kid stays healthy. No matter what team he plays for

[@thatguyjoe3649]

I think going to the spurs can maximize his potential as a player. Their player development is the best of the best, and they are known for a winning culture. One of the best big men of all time in Tim Duncan is close with the organization. Also, Greg Popivich, the greatest NBA coach of all time, will likely coach longer because of Victor. If he goes there, he can be the face of the league, like a giannis or Jokic who aren't from the biggest markets but are still wildly known (and popular).

[@SwisherHoops]

W

[@Stimmy_2_raw723]

I agree with everything but the pop take. He’s great but how could he be the goat coach?

[@thatguyjoe3649]

@@Stimmy_2_raw723 He didn't miss the playoffs for 20 straight years. He has 5 rings with 1 team. He consistently brought the most out of random players and the stars, and developed players extremely well even extending their careers. This year the organization decided that it needed to tank (talent acquisition) to have any chance of competing again, but even now the player deveopment has been amazing. Pops teams always over-achieved especially when you look at the talent on the rosters. In total no other coach in NBA history has the winning numbers like Pop, along with the record for player development, combined with overachiving.

[@Stimmy_2_raw723]

@@thatguyjoe3649 out of those 20 years you talking about, he had the same core with manu, Tim, Parker, for the majority of them. Didn’t have to deal with starts leaving.

[@Stimmy_2_raw723]

@@thatguyjoe3649 I respect your opinion I just don’t agree

[@dyfox3856]

Literally every team's fans are rooting for this kid lol, regardless of if they get him or not people are just stoked to watch this kid in the NBA

[@JoHnDoe_0059]

3:05 was really GIANNIS esqcue, Giannis did that same exact thing in the finals. Greek freak and the French freak !!

[@arthur1989s]

Hey Victor nice interview. Just word of advice. Don’t talk too too much with the media. That will make you have a long and successful career in the NBA

[@thetruth-gy2lc]

I hope he stays injury free & reaches his full potential cuz sky is the limit for this kid.

[@KenTheMan407]

Wow, he is declaring for the draft, is shocking 😅

[@fighterck6241]

😂😂😅 That's what I thought... I'm absolutely stunned.

[@zoradelaney9412]

I think this kid is a legit future Hall of Famer, and not a future hype-turned-bust. Looking forward to seeing Victor do his thing in the NBA! I know that our odds aren't good, but hopefully the Chicago Bulls get that #1 lottery pick!

[@optimalpowersimracing6625]

He doesn't need that pressure. Someone his size only has to worry about one thing, his health, specifically his feet. The sky is the limit for this kid, god willing.

[@ARCANExx]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@mortystraphouse5077]

bro hes the best prospect in nba history. its not a prediction to say hes hall of fame. the kid is a unicorn. hes one of the best prospects in any sport ever.

[@mortystraphouse5077]

@@optimalpowersimracing6625 what r yall talkin about. pressure? his feet? hes going to be a star like ohtani. god willing? nba comment sections wild af in 2023

[@narutofan2010san]

If his legs can stay healthy he will make it

[@Derpfriar]

Good luck Victor , may your work ethic towards staying healthy stay strong under the pressure and wish you all the luck in the world. The world eagerly awaits your arrival.

[@jeanloverme6466]

I love what you said. So healthy and positive!

[@thembaa10xaba36]

a gift from the basketball Gods

[@osubucksfan1985]

I'm so pumped to watch this kid play in the NBA.

[@datsapaddlin]

I don’t know why but something tells me he is gonna be a top 10 pick.

[@Kenny-dx7ws]

Top 1 pick lol

[@chak6990]

He is a 1st dafuq are u on about😂

[@sleezy3384]

Obviously

[@dipper5835]

I don't know man.. id consider it lucky if he even gets picked 1st round

[@ismaaeelfirdausi362]

Lottery pick if lucky

[@v3zMedia]

Welcome to Detroit young fella! Come get your Buffs 🤓

[@rafaelsantana4905]

Wembiveyham is real man

[@lovedenaro6729]

Welcome to Detroit!!!!!

[@sabrifilms198]

Man imagine the blazers and the revival of Dame's career. That would be legendary.

[@crisgee4893]

Dame, shaedon, wemby 🔥🔥🔥

[@Godsxson]

Definitely not making no noise 😂😂😂😂😂

[@peterman7627]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO... BLAZZER AND CENTER INJURY... donot wish evil on this man

[@NotGoodAtFantasy]

Wow with that squad they might take the next step and reach 35-47 🔥

[@VaddyFC]

​@@NotGoodAtFantasy 😂😂😂😂😂 chill....

[@Fisherdanpro23]

I can’t wait to see him play in the nba

[@3lastname390]

He'll have some flashes of his potential, but he's not NBA ready to dominate yet. Seen some of his games with Metropolitans 92, he can still be bullied since his body hasn't fully developed. Most great players near his age don't come out the gate hot, with the exception being Bron. It will take time for him to develop

[@WideWorldofTrains]

Cant wait to watch him in the NBA! Good luck Victor!

[@believe1335]

The team that gets to draft Victor would be very lucky. He’s incredibly talented and a good guy by nature. Tim Duncan with KD’s talent.

[@bartsimpson8330]

I hope the spurs get him he deserves a good organization, it will definitely keep coach pop

[@jiggna11]

Lol the reason they tanked from the beginning of the season.. Imagine if they tanked for nothing 😂😂😂

[@truthteller1436]

Coach Pop is not good 😂

[@samuelbarta5925]

@@truthteller1436 you definitely don’t know basketball 😂😂

[@oth3w]

​@@truthteller1436is the best, you don't know basketball

[@BUCKS12]

@@oth3we’s the not the best coach ever but he’s top 3 at least

[@lezzyy1165]

Wow I didn't expect his English to be so good! He's very well spoken, can't wait to see him ball in the league

[@tomsriver2838]

My English is very good too 🙄

[@lezzyy1165]

@@tomsriver2838 I didn’t ask you

[@erich3784]

@@lezzyy1165 My english is great as well! 🤣

[@HKim0072]

He’s been aiming to go to the NBA for a few years now. And Europeans go pro much earlier. Likely, had tutors.

[@clementpistre9031]

@@HKim0072 plus he always has few US ballers in his rosters the last 3 years so it helped

[@aks957]

How much Dollars did ESPN give him for this...Also is Mallika Andrews part of the compensation .....

[@kreesto_]

I hope San Antonio gets him man. They are great at developing players, they have a young roster and they could develop to some great players with Coach Pop.

[@mhdab2416]

Coach Pop is gonna retire soon

[@Shagrath71]

Canit wait to see this young man play wherever he gets drafted.

[@doctorkhumalo7730]

Smart choice to do the interview via video, be careful though she may accuse you of smiling at her.

[@Teddy42O]

Malika Andrews 😍😍😍😍

[@mhscchampion14ebudget]

with 21 PPG 9.7 RPG and 3.2 blocks he is the best scorer the best rebounder and best blocker of french league this season

[@deejones9833]

He taller than Rudy gobert that's crazy

[@jeffcurry1251]

WELCOME TO DETROIT BRO. YA BUFFS WAITING ON YOU GNG✅🥂

[@littleoneforever6450]

Signing kyrie in free agency they will have a team😊

[@jeffcurry1251]

@@littleoneforever6450 🤞🏿

[@rachitshukla7111]

Lad's got a good head on his shoulders. Good parenting.

[@adrenalinerush369]

Hopefully he goes to a team that knows what they're doing. Some teams just fumble their picks.

[@curtislinden9297]

Malika's interview style/tone/delivery feels like getting a stern talking to

[@tomsriver2838]

What does that mean?

[@SauceGod22]

Malika can give me a stern talking to lmao

[@thatslife2918]

It's the eyebrows

[@nbaallday8391]

@@SauceGod22 yeah you starvin

[@OperationChiinChilla]

Its like watching Kareem Abdul Jabar coming into the league.

[@rydah1240]

There’s no doubt in my mind he’ll be a star player for whoever he chooses to play for but I’m simply hoping his body holds up.

[@Josiah11]

I was hoping he would not declare so all the teams that tanked would be pissed 😂. Nah fr hope he has a good career.

[@Shawn-ho6de]

I really want to see him stay healthy and have a long career. Seems like a good kid. Keep it up young man!

[@TPM188]

Not an OKC fan but I would like to see triple poles on the court and see how it goes.

[@fightnight14]

He’s gonna take his talents to a nearby Texas city

[@hayolol8721]

He going to D city 😤😤

[@russellwestbrookyellingatw9381]

North Carolina

[@rafaelsantana4905]

Why? Is the Pistons relocating to Austin?

[@WolfsDE]

Personally, I hope Wemby goes to San Antonio. I just think learning under Popovich would be invaluable for his NBA career. I am not even a Spurs fan. I am a Celtics fan. Though I would also say a Kings fan as well. (No, not a bandwagon either. I have been following that journey since living in the area for over a decade prior to having to move back home). It is just that Popovich is a hall of fame coach and has shaped the careers of many hall of fame players. For Wemby to get to that place he will want to get....I think if he has a few years at least in San Antonio, it will make sure he has the stability, work ethic and support system to thrive. I am not sure right now that Detroit, Houston, Charlotte...that they could provide this.

[@3lastname390]

The Spurs is by far the best landing spot this kid can get. One of the gold standard organizations in the NBA, a great player development program, and Pop. Even if he doesn't stay with them throughout his career. After 4-5yrs, they're going to help him develop into a monster.

[@Christos33]

If we speaking on “tradition” & what’s good for tv ratings he will go to the spurs. But in all honesty if the Pistons can get him they will definitely be a force to be reckoned with next season even potentially making out the first round. He will lose in SA and not sniff a playoff run maybe until year 5-6.

[@3lastname390]

@@Christos33 In all honesty your not being honest, if you don't think the Spur is the best landing spot for him. Their so call tradition is a track record of being able to find talents to supplement their franchise player. A coach that can bring out the best in said player and a hall of famer at that. RC buford and Pop are still there. So it's still relevant. When was the last time the Piston did so? Back with Isiah Thomas? Their definitely not relevant now. Detroit currently does have the more talent roster, and can win more than the Spurs the first few years. But the Spurs is what's best for him long term career wise. Proven by their tradition, where the Pistons are unknown.

[@DoloDidThat]

Seeing him tower over Rudy Gobert is WILD lol

[@saz19s8]

He’s gonna be cooking Rudy when he gets in the league 😂

[@BabylonGateLA]

I think he’s going to be great, but injuries and health is going to be what determines if he’s going to be GREAT or just Kristaps Porzingis or Ralph Sampson!

[@liteoreo]

San Antonio. Proven success

[@cobrakaiworld23]

He and Dame would be fun to watch in Portland

[@crisgee4893]

Modern day shaq & Kobe

[@roberttrevino8873]

I doubt he would want to go there ,,he does have a choice

[@cobrakaiworld23]

@@roberttrevino8873 bruh he literally said anywhere is a good place for him

[@Bucketsthecake]

He’s great I pray he stays healthy 🙏🏾

[@Arieal.]

i feel like he could play sf😭😭

[@tombystander]

Schedule his team vs OKC first game next year!! Rookie debuts of chet and Victor

[@razr7]

Would love to see Victor land in Orlando and see an OKC v Orlando rivalry for years

[@tombystander]

​@@razr7 I want him to go to the blazers or the hornets

[@russellwestbrookyellingatw9381]

Love it

[@KacciVAL]

​@@razr7Orlando stacked team

[@razr7]

@@tombystander As someone who lived in Portland for years, I would love to see the Blazers be really good again. I just don't think they have earned it with the basketball gods to win the right to draft Wemby. And their timeline with Dame would likely destroy any chance to build a sustainable championship window for themselves and Wemby.

[@kemj9]

I want him Orlando. Anywhere but Texas

[@deantechadd2750]

Really hope he goes to a franchise that hasnt had much success at all and turns them around into a contender. He will be difficult to deal with, even for the best centers in the league currently. His health is obviously the biggest question mark but his potential is limitless. More excited to watch him than I was when Zion was a rookie.

[@herotheancient1352]

Mark Cuban probably thinking how can he trade his pick to get Victor after tanking on purpose 😂😂😂

[@tainanking]

20 firsts and luka

[@Godsxson]

With his skills and height I think he will be fine. He just needs to develop a deadly mid range game because no one will be able to contest it and then everything else will open up for his game.

[@shiestlifesam]

You realize he 7’4 with a 8 foot wingspan nobody is contesting his shot if it’s from 30, 15 , or right under the rim

[@josephgreene4174]

Facts. And I hope they're careful about putting too much weight on him because that could affect his versatility but who knows, this guy is a phenom, he changes rules.

[@Godsxson]

@@shiestlifesam Yeah but if you notice he doesn’t shoot the 3 very well as he only shoots 30%. Why settle for 30 footers when you can get into the mid range or get a close shot jumper. Like you said he 7’4 with a 8 foot wingspan 🤣. Not always about shooting 3’s kiddo. Also I never said anything about people contesting him shooting 3’s but if you watch the NBA most players who score at a high level are deadly mid range shooters.

[@BillyDee45]

...(paraphrasing): "it's hard to be a leader when you're always on the sideline and not out there fighting with your teammates" ...do you HEAR THAT ZION?

[@WhatIsaysGoes]

Henderson is going to be Rookie of the year

[@sheesh4488]

He's going to Houston no state income tax is gonna look real good when he's up for the max ext

[@purplehippo9948]

Not even In the league yet and they already trying to get him on a side agenda bout load management he answered it good

[@charliecolunga]

… And we would be remised to mention 10 years ago Victor missed a homework assignment but has since spent time away from recess. - Malika Andrews

[@dannymcguire3623]

Brilliant😂😂😂

[@DPR-GENX]

It would be really fun to see Victor play in PDX! Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, Jeremy Grant, and Victor Wembanyama would be a very entertaining starting 5 to watch! Or for a bigger lineup, start Nurkic at center and Anfernee (6'3") off the bench with Shaedon (6'6") at the 2. He just needs to break the big man curse in PDX and NOT break a leg!!! 😆

[@dayygo.]

I’m with you man really the best landing spot for him cuz he gets to be mentored by Dame year one. And he can pass that franchise player role on kinda like LA to Dame in his earlier years. Really want the nba to rig it for the blazers haha

[@bikeshsingh1708]

Wow! That block was ridiculous😳

[@xxguestxx08]

I hope this kid will be picked 1st by the SPURS! 🔥🔥🔥

[@ochomunna270]

Consensus Number 1 pick, no question. Tanking teams want that first pick cause we all know he's going to whoever got that first pick.

[@dbruin85]

Repeat of 1998🎉

[@mashii1]

@@ochomunna270 nah, itd be such a hornets move to get brandon miller at #1 instead for no reason except theyre the hornets

[@ochomunna270]

@@mashii1 Yeah true that. MJ sucks a*s as an owner and talent evaluater, dude would have had LeBron available for consensus number 1 and still draft Carmelo/Bosh over him. 🤣

[@trill711]

You will love HTown

[@rahulsawant1309]

This kid is AI version of Kevin Durant

[@qundraygray]

Ja Morant would BANG on someone like Victor for sure....

[@AP90x]

Or just break his hand and have to sit out…

[@Dom2.0]

He dribbles around grown men like we dribble around that 7 year old little brother trying to guard up 😂

[@nbapbaupdate8338]

Spurs, Houston, Pistons, Charlotte, waiving 😂🤣🤣

[@chrisg1572]

Would of been funny if he said that he would be declaring for the NBA draft next year :)

[@NAHPyboy]

Step back 3 followed by putback dunk is probably the most athletic move in basketball ever

[@RoboNinja-rj1tr]

Cool cant wait to see him play🔥💪🏀

[@klonck06]

the dunk on his own three was SIK !!!

[@bernardbell4429]

If you remember,the NBA had a 7'4'' phenom named, Ralph Sampson,but because of the BS coaching style being taught to Big Men,can't dribble,can't shoot,just play inside,back then,well his great overall play was never really saw,except in the NBA All Star game in 1985,(24pts-10reb)an won the MVP of the game🤔Not taking anything from this young man,congrats young blood💯💯💯

[@FTO9797]

He wasn’t actually 7’4

[@bernardbell4429]

@@FTO9797 Ur point being

[@bernardbell4429]

@@FTO9797 Also,according 2 Google,7' 4"

[@FTO9797]

@@bernardbell4429 my point is he wasnt 7’4 , inches make a difference it’s basketball , mark Eaton is actually 7’4 and said he isn’t actually that so I would believe him over u

[@bernardbell4429]

@@FTO9797 Like i said,Google said 7'4"! Everything u look says Ralph was7' 4" tall!!

[@poppasmurf3670]

I’d love to see Wembenyama on the raptors.

[@b3astmde939]

That block was crazy. I’m looking at the lottery odds and just imagining him with Greg Pop or Dame or the Rockets young core with be crazy

[@OperationChiinChilla]

That block and Lebrons block are the best basketball blocks ever caught on film.

[@moaziz23]

hes got Pau Gasol vibes

[@youngking9016]

yessir, can't wait to see him in the league next season

[@ReeListicReaLz]

How can you not like this guy? Unless you have a dark dark cold heart 🖤

[@ABJtheinfluencecoach]

Suprs or Hornetts would be my pick for him.

[@justanotherhandle1]

He just needs to stay healthy. 82 games a year gets those 7 foot plus joints.

[@clutchlevels]

Let's get it!

[@blitzccob203]

Happy for the kid 🎉 chase your dreams young man life goes by quick

[@p-nuttlee2604]

He going straight to the Spurs he look like Tony Parker & Tim Duncan 😆

[@Convisis]

Regardless of how his career plays out, he seems like a really good dude.

[@kingakil777]

Mans so tall a lawyer would have trouble defending him

[@bobchopgamingandlifestyle813]

That stepback move makes me worry about his knees with his size...

[@ukog6048]

Victor just stay healthy man and you'll be great

[@burninglove5240]

Those tow plays was unbelievable definitely something never seen.

[@abe000torte]

We used to say that we will never see someone like Wilt again but...

[@Fisherdanpro23]

I hope the bulls get him

[@khalmasonart]

Wow what a surprise.. never see it coming

[@alexandreazevedo9906]

Only injuries can stop this guy

[@FreelanceGaming]

Stay Health, Stay Humble. ❤❤

[@timgraysontv]

Him going to da Lakers!

[@KD_SWAGGER]

Wow, I'm shocked! I thought Victor Wembanyama was going to do 4 years in college before he declared for the NBA Draft.

[@topsportsdebate]

DETROIT BASKETBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are waiting for you buddy

[@vanallen1666]

How about the Philippine pride 7 footer Kai Kai Sotto????? Any NBA chance?

[@MikepTN74]

She asked him a question and answered her own question😒😒😒