From a basketball context, it’s funny that the word “hyperbole” literally comes from overthrowing your mark. It’s by definition an overzealous rim-out; an attempt that won’t go in. Maybe that forces us to eventually reframe the hype and hoopla that preceded Victor Wembanyama’s arrival to the NBA as simply a setting of expectations — big words that presaged big things. Or maybe it won’t. It’s early — so early — in the Wembanyama era, and fans should extract joy in that unknown and discovery from game to game. Hyperbole can only prepare you so much, no matter how excessive.
A dispatch from the wide-eyed present
