Rockets Draft: Victor Wembanyama Takes Pride In His Availability

Houston Rockets and NBA draft prospect Victor Wembanyama isn't entering the NBA thinking load management ahead of his first 82-game season.

HOUSTON — Victor Wembanyama made his eligibility for the 2023 NBA Draft official. 

He declared for the draft Friday afternoon live on ESPN's NBA Today. And while speaking to host Malika Andrews, Wembanyama revealed that one of his top goals entering the NBA is to always be available for his future team, especially when healthy. 

"I know there are so many games in an NBA season, it can be hard for players, especially players who play with a lot of intensity and minutes, it can be hard to play all 82 games," Wembanyama said. "My goal is to play every single night to help my team as much as I can.

"I haven't missed a game yet. I've been here for my guys for each game. And I am trying to keep it that way."

As a member of Metropolitans 92, Wembanyama said he has worked alongside his trainer, Guillaume Alquier, to get his body prepared to sustain the inevitable wear and tear of an 82-game season. 

Wembanyama has not missed a game for the Metropolitans 92 during the 2022-23 LNB Pro A campaign, where he has averaged 21.4 points, 10.0 rebounds and 3.1 blocks across 30 games. 

The Houston Rockets will enter the draft lottery with a 14.0 percent chance to land the No. 1 overall pick and the rights to the French phenom. The Rockets are in a three-way tie alongside the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs.

Wembanyama is the projected No. 1 overall pick and the most anticipated prospect since LeBron James 20 years ago.

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