Victor Wembanyama is the NBA's brightest talent — and its most interesting person

San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama is a rising superstar in the NBA. His development off the floor is why.

Longtime NBA coaches and scouts are hardened by nature. They’ve observed thousands of players and have just as many ideas for how to stop them. Rarely do they concede awe.

But on the very first night of the new NBA season in October, a scout watching San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama raised a proverbial white flag as the 21-year-old from France completed a 40-point highlight reel of body-contorting dunks, blocked shots, crossover dribbles and deep 3-pointers.

“At one point I thought, ‘There’s nothing we can do here,’” the scout said. “There was no center, no power forward, no man [defense], no zone that could do it.”

When Wembanyama, who is listed at 7-foot-4 but has long been rumored to be taller, retreated on defense, his long strides and wingspan allowed him to cover ground like no other defender. Ball handlers would dribble close to the basket, only to meekly back away, sensing him looming.

"Incredible to watch," said one team’s assistant coach who, like the scout, wasn't permitted to speak publicly by the team. “Unlike anything I’ve ever seen."