Victor Wembanyama declares for NBA Draft: Why projected No. 1 pick is considered best prospect since LeBron

Scott Rafferty

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Victor Wembanyama declares for NBA Draft: Why projected No. 1 pick is considered best prospect since LeBron image

Victor Wembanyama is heading to the NBA.

On Friday, Wembanyama went on ESPN's "NBA Today" to declare for the 2023 NBA Draft. While there are a number of strong prospects in this year's class, the Frenchman is expected to be the No. 1 pick.

"First of all, I want to thank everyone that has been a part of that journey that year and all the previous years — all my coaches and my family," Wembanyama said. "I'm really excited to announce that I'm going to declare to the 2023 NBA Draft. I hope it's big news. Obviously, it's big news for me. I hope it's big news for you."

It was expected news, but that doesn't mean it's not a big deal. Why? Wembanyama has the potential to be unlike anything we've ever seen before.

MORE: Will Wembanyama be the best player in the NBA in five years?

Victor Wembanyama scouting report

Wembanyama is a 7-foot-5 big man with guard skills. 

Wembanyama has the size to protect the rim like a center and the mobility to step out to the perimeter. Offensively, he's shown that he can play both inside and out.

Put it together, and you have the makings of a dominant two-way player.

Some of the things he does at his size are truly outrageous.

Wembanyama is considered by many to be the best prospect since LeBron James back in 2003. He wowed in an exhibition game against the potential No. 2 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Scoot Henderson, in 2022. Since then, he has put together a historic season in France.

Victor Wembanyama age

Wembanyama was born on Jan. 4, 2004. He will turn 20 years old during the 2023-24 NBA season.

How tall is Victor Wembanyama?

According to ESPN's Jonathan Givony, Wembanyama is 7-foot-5 and sports an 8-foot wingspan. Those measurements would make him both the tallest and longest player in the NBA.

What team is Victor Wembanyama on?

Wembanyama currently plays for Metropolitans 92 in France's LBN Pro A league. The team still has a few games remaining this season.

Victor Wembanyama stats

According to Basketball Reference, here's what Wembanyama has averaged through 29 games in the 2022-23 season:

  • 21.4 points per game
  • 9.9 rebounds per game
  • 2.3 assists per game
  • 3.1 blocks per game
  • 0.8 steals per game
  • 3.1 turnovers per game
  • 32.2 minutes per game
  • 46.9 percent field goal shooting
  • 30.4 percent 3-point shooting
  • 83.5 percent free throw shooting

Those numbers have helped him establish himself as the "runaway favorite" for his league's MVP honors.

Victor Wembanyama highlights

When is the 2023 NBA Draft?

The NBA Draft Lottery will take place on May 16. The 2023 NBA Draft will follow a month later on June 22.

The Pistons, Rockets, Spurs, Hornets and Trail Blazers enter the NBA Draft Lottery with the best odds of ending up with the No. 1 overall pick.

Wembanyama told ESPN that there is "no wrong team" for him.

Scott Rafferty

Scott Rafferty Photo

 

Scott Rafferty is an experienced NBA journalist who first started writing for The Sporting News in 2017. There are few things he appreciates more than a Nikola Jokic no-look pass, Klay Thompson heat check or Giannis Antetokounmpo eurostep. He's a member of the NBA Global team.