The debate about whether NFL players can play in the NBA is heating up. Recently, Anthony Edwards told ESPN he could play in the NFL. Now, Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams is joining the conversation.
On the “Nine and Dime” podcast, hosted by his teammates Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp, Nacua shared his confidence in making the switch from football to basketball.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Puka Nacua has quickly garnered attention for his dynamic playmaking abilities. While playing at BYU, he established himself as a reliable and explosive receiver. His bold claim about NBA transition caught everyone off guard.
“I think it would be so easy to transition from the NFL to NBA. Like, less than three months,” Nacua said. “Probably 3-6 months, I truly believe I could transition to play point guard or shooting guard for one of the (30) teams in the NBA.”
He then added, “If I go to the Detroit Pistons, if that’s where I know I’m going, you’re going to play me 15 minutes. If I go to, like, the Lakers, no, I’m going to be the 15th man. Like, when we go 72-9, I’ll play the last game of the season.”
However, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green disagrees with Nacua’s assessment. He said, “Brother, no, you can’t.” Many fans seem to agree with Green’s view, as most of them reacted negatively to Nacua’s bold statement.
Fans react to Puka Nacua’s claim
Fans had mixed reactions. A few, like @SportyTrenches, admired Puka Nacua’s confidence, saying, “Why can’t mfs just respect other sports and shut up.. If he were good enough to play in the NBA he would’ve but he didn’t.” However, most fans were skeptical of his claim.
Why can’t mfs just respect other sports and shut up.. If he were good enough to play in the NBA he would’ve but he didn’t.
— Sporty McFly 🛩️ (@SportyTrenches) November 3, 2024
@Dunkmane41 joked, “Football players be 6’2/6’3 out there playing like power forwards lmao. That shit only looks good in celebrity games or at pickup games at LA Fitness.”
Football players be 6'2/6'3 out there playing like power forwards lmao. That shit only looks good in celebrity games or at pickup games at LA Fitness.
— Calvin Cambridge (@Dunkmane41) November 4, 2024
@UNCeeTeeGee97 criticized Nacua, saying, “Delusional nonsense. Easy to podcast about being a Baller. As much as we talk &hit…the worst NBA player is still a top tier player on Earth.”
Delusional nonsense.
— Nine-Seven (@UNCeeTeeGee97) November 3, 2024
Easy to podcast about being a Baller.
As much as we talk &hit…the worst NBA player is still a top tier player on Earth.
@ohitschristian2 simply said, “Not even fucking CLOSE😭”
@shailjordan added, “This kid is on crack.”
This kid is on crack
— sahil (@shailjordan) November 3, 2024
And @VegasChad08 humorously remarked, “Fucking Kupp 😂😂😂😂😂.”
