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.

With a bit of energy from the hometown fans, Wembanyama and the Spurs took down the red-hot Indiana Pacers, 140-110. Wembanyama offered 30 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and five blocks while hearing MVP chants from the fans.