Puka Nacua balled out during a pickup game as he showed why he could easily try to take his talents from the football field to the basketball court.
The Los Angeles Rams superstar wide receiver has exploded onto the professional football scene, producing a NFL-rookie record 1,486 receiving yards on a then-rookie-best 105 receptions.
The former BYU Cougars standout earned Second-Team All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl nod following his rookie campaign in 2023. He was also named to the PFWA All-Rookie team. Nacua also broke the NFL’s single-game record for receptions by a rookie and set an overall league mark with 25 catches in the first two games of his career.
Puka Nacua shakes defenders like Kyrie Irving
Puka Nacua showed his incredible basketball skills during a pickup game that got recorded and posted on Instagram. The images show the flashy wide receiver get one-on-one with a defender, as he easily shook his rival and drove in the paint. Another defender tried to stopped Nacua, but he managed to make a circus lay up, resembling the former All-Star guard Kyrie Irving.
His amazing basketball moves got social media users praising Puka Nacua. “Dude is an incredible athlete,” posted an X user. “He moves so fluidly,” “Incredible athlete,” “He could be special,” He’s actually crazy,” and “He’s better than Bronny (James). Would love for my Lakers to sign him or Hezi God to a 10 day,” were some of the comments.
Fans remembered that Nacua played in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game 2024, where he showcased his basketball skills, including a four-point shot and several dunks during the event. Puka did played basketball at Orem High School in Utah as a point guard before his football-playing days. During his four years with the team, he scored 961 points and also added 417 rebounds, 316 assists, and 155 steals.
The young star wants to retire early
The 23-year-old Los Angeles Rams wide receiver isn’t planning on growing old in the NFL. Nacua told “Join The Lobby” podcast that he’s likely got seven seasons remaining before he calls it a career and pursue other professional paths.
“I know I want to retire at the age of 30,” Nacua said. “I’m 23 right now, I’m going into year 3.” Pakua cited former teammate Aaron Donald‘s decision to retire while still playing at an elite level and his hope to be able to enjoy having a big family as the reasoning.
“It wouldn’t even be 10 years; it’d be maybe seven or eight. I think of Aaron Donald, to go out at the top, I think it would be super cool. But then also … I want to have a big family. I want to have at least a starting five. I came from a big family. I need five. Boys. I need five boys for sure. But also, I want to be a part of their lives and be as active as I can with them.”
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