Although his career was undeniably altered and ultimately cut short by injuries, DeMarcus Cousins was one of the best big men in the 2010s. A 6'10" center who routinely trucked through defenders and, if need be, brought his defenders out to the perimeter where he could either pepper them with jumpers or drive past them.
That said, it takes a lot to impress Boogie, especially since he played against legendary big men like Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and Anthony Davis. However, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama managed to do just that during their season-opener against the Dallas Mavericks.
The 7'4" Frenchman displayed such an unbelievable talent on both ends of the court, showcasing his size, athleticism and skill set that left Cousins in sheer awe.
Whereas the NBA has seen its fair share of talented power forwards and centers, Cousins admits none of them have witnessed anybody like Wembanyama, who announced his return to the court after dealing with deep vein thrombosis late last season, in such emphatic fashion.
While a stat line of 40 points on 15-of-21 shooting, 15 rebounds and three blocks is nothing to scoff at, the way Wembanyama did it against whomever the Mavericks placed on him was jaw-dropping.
The 21-year-old handled the ball like a guard, knocked down mid-range jumpers and a four-point play and even displayed some Shaquille O'Neal-like ferocity by hammering home numerous thunderous dunks down low.
"I feel like if you look up the definition of 'generational talent,' it'll be a picture of Wemby right next to it," Cousins stated on "Run It Back." "This is truly, truly a talent we've probably never seen before and never will again."
Trying to score against Davis is no mean feat. After all, the 13-year veteran is a five-time member of the league's All-Defensive Team and has led the NBA in blocks thrice. However, the way that Wembanyama made him look foolish with his ballhandling and perimeter shooting was something to behold.
"This was just a full display of whatever you want to do. It was like he was being guarded by traffic cones. It was like he was just going through the motions the entire night," Boogie added.
The show's co-host, former Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams, also shared his take on what he saw from Wemby on Wednesday night, saying that health willing, the Frenchman can win the Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards this season.
"The impact that he had on the defensive end is like things we see in cartoons or video games," Lou-Will commented. "He made AD look small yesterday — really did."
Wembanyama came close to winning the DPOY award in his rookie season, finishing second to the Minnesota Timberwolves' Evan Mobley. He most assuredly would have been in the running for the award last season, as he led the league in blocks per game at 3.8, had his season not ended in February.
All this said, Williams noted that Wembanyama's skill set will make the Spurs a team that Western Conference contenders must keep an eye on.
"He's unguardable, and you can't score on him. And he brings his teammates along with him," Williams added. "When you have a guy that dominant, it makes it easy for you to step in the gaps and do your job, man."
Last season proved the unpredictable nature of the game. However, Wembanyama's sensational debut this season has electrified the NBA world, leaving both fans and rivals eager for his next performance.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
