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 respect to Chris Paul, who has done an admirable job as a veteran leader, the Spurs don't have their point guard of the future on the roster right now. They need a young pick-and-roll scorer who can run the floor with Wembanyama. There aren't many available targets that fit better than the 27-year-old Fox.