The story, as Buford tells it, goes like this: Claudio Crippa, an international scout for the Spurs, proposed going to see a youth game before checking out Doumbouya. Buford saw Wembanyama play for the first time that day. And the seeds for the Spurs’ new master plan were immediately planted.

The Spurs signed veteran point guard and all-time great Chris Paul this summer for a one-year deal. The main reason for the signing was simply to offer Wembanyama a steady hand both on and off the court, although Paul, like Wembanyama, values winning above all else.

On Thursday afternoon, the San Antonio Spurs beat the Indiana Pacers (in France) by a score of 140-110. Victor Wembanyama finished with 30 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, one steal and five blocks while shooting 13/21 from the field and 4/11 from the three-point range in 32 minutes of playing time.