Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images As the NBA’s stars are starting to age out, who will step up and make this league their own? It should be obvious. For reasons that are debatable, television ratings have been a major talking point surrounding the NBA. The discussion at large of trying to uncover why ratings have dropped has put the league and media in a self-fulfilling cycle of brand erosion that feels rather stuck in the mud. And regardless of the reasoning, ratings slumps is not a new phenomenon. This is a topic of concern for the league on a running basis, resurfacing occasionally only to be eventually quelled by what most agree is the ultimate solution: the next superstar. It’s no secret the NBA is a star-driven league. With only 10 players on the court at once, individuals carry much more weight than in other sports. As the previous era’s stars have now started to move toward the horizon, many are speculating as to who will fill the space. Such speculation is not necessary. The answer could not be more obvious. It’s Victor Wembanyama. To assuage any uncertainty, simply take a look at the resume. In terms of raw number averages, he’s currently producing 24.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 4 blocks. The Spurs are plus 16.4 points per 100 possessions with him on the court, per cleaningtheglass.com. If he isn’t top 5 in every other all-in-one advanced stat, he’s knocking on the door. Putting him to the eye test, there isn’t a more amazing player to watch. Routinely, Wembanyama is outperforming what were already high expectations coming into the league. Whether that’s a Shamgod crossover, a one-footed-three from the logo, or exorcising souls with his blocks at the rim, Wembanyama is pulling off moves, not thought to be possible. Halfway through his second season, he is on track to finish the year on an All-NBA team and Defensive Player of the Year. And no one should be shocked if he shows up on some MVP ballots at only 21 years old. This isn’t a player on his way to becoming a superstar; by these metrics, he already is. The Association is his to lose. So what about everything else? He’s fantastic on the court, but could there be a question about his marketability? It’s possible that his unique stature may make it difficult for fans to root for him. That wouldn’t be completely unheard of. At times a player's size can play a role in their marketing. There can be a disconnect when players feel unrelatable on a certain level. In the past, some stars could actually strike a chord with fans because they looked “normal.” Allen Iverson and Steph Curry were (are) doing amazing things but could blend in with a crowd. This helped their influence as kids didn’t have to be seven feet tall to be an NBA superstar. However, that isn’t the only advantage size can have. Wembanyama has found popularity not in spite of his appearance, but because of it. As a giant among giants but with coordination that deceives our standard set of expectations, he manages to overcome difficulties of relatability. He doesn’t fit into a box, standing on the other side of the spectrum from Iverson and Curry, which then drives his popularity. As a one-of-one, Wembanyama is treading new ground, something that excites and inspires everyone. But has that turned into real measurable marketability? Take a look at what the fans think: In his rookie season, he finished 4th in jersey sales. The only three above him were LeBron James, Curry, and Jayson Tatum, all of which whom won or went on to win championships, MVPs, or both. As of last reporting, Wembayama has 2.2 million fan All-Star votes, 4th in the West. Those placed above him in the conference (James, Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant) all have league MVPs, Finals MVPs, and Championships, the youngest of which — Jokic — is almost nine years his senior. Looking into the very near future, there is no question as to who the next superstar of the league is. The future of the league wears a silver and black number one jersey. If there’s any doubt amongst fans or the media, that’s not his problem, that’s the league’s. If the NBA has a problem selling literal and proverbial tickets to the best show on hardwood, they don’t have a ratings problem. They have a marketing problem. The NBA has been gifted gold on a silver platter, now it’s up to them to bring it to the table.