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.

I just want to underline that this week was amazing,” Spurs star Victor Wembanyama said after Saturday's game versus the Pacers.