Spurs center Victor Wembanyama is a 2025 NBA All-Star reserve for the Western Conference, marking his first All-Star selection. Looking the future face of the NBA in the eye requires a step ladder, strong toes to stand on or a trip to the chiropractor after straining your neck.

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.