Devin Booker labels Victor Vembanyama ‘something we’ve never seen before’

Players come and go in the NBA, but some leave a lasting impression. Some are like Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker: the epitome of perfecting your craft, season after season.

Then there are the likes of the San Antonio Spurs center Victor Vembanyama: a real freak of nature, 7’4 tall. He has guards, can shoot off the dribble, but is dominant inside and is the best shot blocker in the league.

The two will square off on Sunday when the Spurs head into Phoenix with a 5-0 record. Even still, Vembanjama is on top of the scouting report and immediately catches Booker’s eyes.

“It’s something we’ve never seen before,” Booker said after Friday’s game. “We’ll deal with it tomorrow, get in the scout. Take a closer look at it, but I’ve seen compilation highlight reels. We haven’t seen it before.”

Who else in the Suns sees Victor Vembanyama that way?

Well, Vembanyama’s task will be new Suns center Mark Williams. The latter has been on a minutes limit this season, but has seen it slowly dissipate into clear skies.

He enjoyed being physical with other greats like Lauri Markkanen and Ivica Zubac. However, Vembanyama is unlike anyone Phoenix has seen.

Regardless, there is Williams boosted for the task.

“They’ve had a great start to the year as a team. He’s a talent,” Williams said after Saturday’s practice, via AZCentral’s Duane Rankin.

“We’ve all seen the highlights, all the crazy things he could do. So we’re looking forward to tomorrow’s challenge.”

Meanwhile, sophomore forward Ryan Dunn has been tasked with guarding the best offensive player every night. For him, that challenge could be the star of San Antonio.

Now, will the Suns actually match the 6’8 Dunn with the 7’4 Vembania? Probably not, but there may be some things where it is a possibility. Whatever happens, wing he will be ready for anything.

“He’s one of a kind,” Dunn said after Friday’s game. “He’s different, but I’m excited for that match. I’ll never turn down a match like that.”

The entire Suns team is excited for the match. The chance to dethrone one of the hottest teams in the NBA, while taking on the challenge of guarding Wembanyama, could give Phoenix extra motivation.

Or they might bite off more than they can chew. Either way, everyone can agree that the Spurs star is ‘something we’ve never seen before.’