Victor Wembanyama officially declares for 2023 NBA Draft

Victor Wembanyama has officially declared for the 2023 NBA Draft.

"Declaring for the draft ... it's something crazy I'm not realizing yet," Wembanyama said in an interview with NBA Today Host Malika Andrews. "I realized pretty young I wanted to play in the NBA, but it becomes a reality more every day. 

"I'm so lucky to have this dream within the reach of my hand."

Wembanyama, the projected No. 1 overall pick in ESPN's mock draft and beyond, surprised no one with his declaration. His rare combination of size, athleticism and overall talent could offer a turning point for any franchise lucky enough to select him in June. 

According to Basketball Reference, the 19-year-old averaged 21.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 3.1 blocks per game in 29 games played for French club Metropolitans 92 during the 2022-23 season. In October, he scored 37 points and blocked five shots in a clash with the G League Ignite and guard Scoot Henderson. Wembanyama hit 11 of his 20 shot attempts and seven of his 11 tries from the three-point arc during that performance.

In a recent ESPN mock draft, the Detroit Pistons are projected to select the 7-foot-2-inch forward to join a young corps of talented players in scoring guard Jaden Ivey, former Oklahoma State star Cade Cunningham and 19-year-old center Jalen Duren.

The Pistons, the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs are all tied with a 14.0 percent chance of winning the NBA Draft Lottery this summer, while the Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers and Orlando Magic have the next most-favorable set of odds with 12.5 percent, 10.5 percent and 9.0 percent, respectively.

The star French prospect told ESPN that there "is no wrong team" when discussing the teams in play to potentially win the lottery and ultimately his services on the basketball court.

"I am not worried; there is no bad organization," he said. "I never tell myself I don't like to go there. 

"Every organization is so careful about their players that there's no wrong destination."