Victor Wembanyama is the 7-foot-4 star of the Spurs. LeBron James is known as the “alien” because of his 8-foot wingspan. NBA

Victor Wembanyama’s father was a triple jumper.

Wembanyama’s mother was a basketball player who later became a coach and helped teach the game to a 7-foot-4 generational talent who was eventually hailed as an “alien” by LeBron James “.

But what exactly makes Winby so special?

Why the San Antonio Spurs rookie from Le Chenay, France (an hour outside of Paris) is making a name for himself in the NBA, scoring 38 points in just Game 5 and earning the likes of Kevin Durant and High praise from a king?

Let’s start with his height. Wenbanyama stands side by side with Rockets veteran big man Boban Marjanovic. The 19-year-old rookie weighs only 210 pounds.

Then look at that impressive 8-foot wingspan, which allows Wimby to float freely between the paint and the perimeter, dunking dunks and blocking shots with ease without even jumping.

Fast-break dunks, clutch three-pointers, touches in the paint, pick-and-roll jumpers and soft floaters in the paint.

Wimby has been able to do it all thanks to his young overseas career and his alien-like combination of height, wingspan and sheer talent that allowed him to score 38 points on 15-for-26 shooting and grab 10. Rebounded, dished out 2 assists, recorded two blocks and collected a steal as the Spurs defeated Durant’s Phoenix Suns for the second straight game.

“Everyone has been a unicorn in the last few years, well, he’s more like an alien,” James said in 2022. “I’ve never seen — no one has ever seen — anyone as tall as him, but it’s fluid and it’s just as graceful as it is on the floor.

“He has the ability to put the ball on the floor, shoot step-back jumpers in the low post, step-back 3-pointers, catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, block shots. He is undoubtedly a generational talent.”

King added: “Hopefully he continues to stay healthy, that’s the most important thing for him personally. And, as you can see, he loves the game. He always has a smile on his face when he plays.”

From Dirk Nowitzki and Giannis Antetokounmpo to Kristaps Porzingis and Durant, everyone has impacted Wembanya’s game.

There was a time when big men were forced to play in the paint and only cross the three-point line when offense turned to defense.

If Wimby had arrived in the 1980s, it’s possible that he would have played a completely different sport or not been able to find a role in the NBA.

In 2023, three-pointers will be worth more than two-pointers, the court is more open than ever, and the Association is embracing Wembanyama’s incredibly diverse offense with open arms.

In fact, Winby is having fun playing football.

The French rookie’s shooting, rushing, passing and defense still maintain his style, and he has everything to prove to the basketball world.

“His passion for the game — you can see it on TV and playing against him,” Durant said. “He’s his own player, his own person. “He’s going to create his own routes, which is a lot different than anyone else who’s played the ball. “

An athletic family helped shape Wembanyama.

He is humble, informed and self-aware off the court, recognizing his unique position and clear championship potential.

But without his height and wingspan, Wenby wouldn’t be Wenby.

He blocks shots, drives across the court and knocks basketballs into home plate.

He flashes in the paint, handles the ball like a 1980s center, and then puts it in with ease, his feet barely leaving the floor.

Alley-oop dunks, smooth passes and knockdown three-pointers displayed the supreme confidence of the NBA.

Wembanyama is a basketball unicorn who is also an alien.

If the Spurs rookie continues to dominate the hardwood like this, the Hall of Fame isn’t far away.