As Tyronn Lue finished his postgame news conference on Sunday night, he voiced a concern that was also likely on the minds of other NBA coaches.
“Let’s win now,” Lue said, “before three or four years down the road.”
Lue and his team saw the future of the NBA. His name was Victor Wembanyama.
The Freak Show came to town, and the 19-year-old Frenchman looked more like a P.T. Barnum attraction than the next LeBron James in the Clippers’ 123-83 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Nonetheless, Wembanyama’s talents were so obvious, so undeniable, that even Lue had to acknowledge the Clippers’ championship aspirations could have an expiration date.