The NBA is about to enter a new era. Lebron James and Stephen Curry are in the twilight of their careers and the league is looking for a new rocket to ride. The Joker, Nikola Jokic, has emerged as the best player in the league and is gaining in popularity but he probably won’t reach Lebron or Steph status as a marketing icon.

However, there’s a new kid in town from overseas who will be the first pick in the NBA draft and his name is Victor Wembanyama (Wemby), . In the world of basketball, a rare talent emerges once in a generation, captivating fans, inspiring fellow athletes, and elevating the sport to new heights: think Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Lebron James.

Wemby is the towering French prodigy who is undoubtedly one such talent. Standing at a remarkable 7 feet 4 inches tall, Wemby possesses a unique skill set and personality that has the potential to supercharge the growth of the NBA in ways that extend far beyond the confines of the court. At a tender age, he displays an exceptional combination of size, athleticism, and basketball IQ that sets him apart from all other players. With an unprecedented blend of length, agility, and coordination, Wemby possesses the ball handling and passing skills of a guard, the defensive deterrent of a rim protector, and the shooting touch of a perimeter player. His fluidity on the court, coupled with these exceptional attributes make him an unparalleled talent.

Wemby’s marketability extends beyond his on-court prowess. His captivating story and international journey resonate with diverse cultures and backgrounds, making him relatable and aspirational to fans globally. Wemby cares about issues such as world hunger, the environment, health, and nutrition. He is competitive but compassionate and fun. Wemby’s commitment to giving back is evident through his active involvement in charitable initiatives. Whether it be fundraising for hunger relief programs, raising awareness about environmental conservation, or promoting healthy lifestyles, his endeavors exemplify the power of using basketball as a catalyst for change. All this sets him apart as a role model for aspiring athletes and fans alike and these values align perfectly with the NBA's purpose-driven image, which seeks to inspire change and make a positive difference in society. Wemby is the definition of remarkable.

But it doesn’t stop there. Wemby is the first non-USA born player to be anointed as the next big thing in basketball and this could not come at a better time when the NBA’s biggest opportunity for growth comes from international markets. The NBA is exploding around the world in Europe, Asia and Africa. Wemby’s emergence opens doors for aspiring basketball players from every corner of the globe, inspiring them to dream big and pursue their ambitions in the NBA. Wemby’s success sends a powerful message that talent can be found in unexpected places, igniting a sense of hope and possibility among young international players and reshaping even more the league's talent landscape where already 23% of players are foreign born. His presence in the NBA serves as a bridge, connecting different nations, cultures and communities, fostering a sense of unity through the universal language of basketball.

Are you kidding? Is this kid for real? Adam Silver and the NBA family is salivating at the opportunity that Wemby provides—not only with his remarkable physicality and basketball skills but also because of his unique and admirable set of core values. As the NBA continues its push to grow internationally Wemby’s potential to market the league presents a dream scenario.

Wemby has been called an “alien” because of his ET type resemblance. He doesn’t mind. Wemby is fascinated with outer space and fashions himself as an an ET type creature coming down to earth to rescue the San Antonio Spurs and be an evangelist for the NBA mission to inspire and improve the world through basketball. Welcome to the Wemby era. It’s going to be a fun ride.