NBA world's reaction to Wemby's All-Star impact makes his power undeniable

Victor Wembanyama may not have won the All-Star Games he dominated in to the tune of 33 total points on 10-13 FG and 3 blocks, but there was something larger at stake on Sunday night in Inglewood, California. The NBA's yearly February basketball celebration needed an omega-level Storm-like jolt, and like Wemby said, he was there to supply the demand.

A true man of his word, Victor vowed to bring competition back to All-Star Sunday, and he did just that. On the opening tip, he demanded the ball and made a move inside for a vicious slam. That was the spark that ignited the fire that followed. Three of the four games were terrific, and despite losing both of his, Wemby received the most love from the NBA community for a job well done.

Wembanyama is who we think he is

Every All-Star seemed appropriately motivated, and the result was an epic showcase of offensive and defensive skill. We saw highlights left and right, but not the ones of the past where guys are just throwing up 30-footers uncontested or performing acrobatic dunks free from any resistance.

They had to fight for those buckets. Wemby wouldn't have it any other way, and the players stepped up to honor that, not because they're afraid of getting embarrassed or something. It's because they respect him.

As the old saying goes, "Game recognize game." The stars around the league understand the work you have to put in to be one of the best in the NBA. They see the ability in such a unique build at a young age, they see the work ethic, they see the swagger, and they salute the man.

Anthony Edwards was giving Wembanyama the nod as the future face of the league before tonight's games were even played.

Wembanyama was elevated on All-Star Sunday

After the game, Ant-Man continued to compliment Vic, giving him credit for setting an aggressive tone early. Like Jalen Brunson said, he's a leader, and his presence is strong enough to get other superstars to follow his lead. San Antonio has never had a player like this before.

That's no slight to anyone because these players only come around every once in a while. They're the rare breed that provides a gift to the entire sport. Rudy Gay was a good player, but nobody was checking for him outside of the fans of whatever team he was on at the time.

Guys like LeBron James, Steph Curry, Michael Jordan, etc., are special because their fan bases transcend their teams. Victor Wembanyama has that in spades, and the league is pushing him to the front of their product as often as possible. That's why they keep flexing Spurs games onto National TV spots on the premier streaming services.

With all of that being said, it feels like we can drop the "future" part from the "face of the league" talk. Vic has taken over organically. Everything is about him now, and all he had to do was be him: an eye-popping talent the likes of which we've never seen with a ferocious will to win.