Basketball-Wembanyama is a talent beyond compare, says Yao

Basketball - LNB Pro A - Boulogne-Levallois v Cholet - Palais des sports Marcel-Cerdan, Levallois-Perret, France - May 25, 2023 Boulogne-Levallois' Victor Wembanyama in action REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo

NEW YORK (Reuters) - France's Victor Wembanyama possesses a talent that defies comparison, retired great Yao Ming told Reuters, as the seven-foot four-inch (2.24-metre) rookie makes his highly anticipated National Basketball Association (NBA) regular-season debut on Wednesday.

Not since LeBron James 20 years ago has a prospect generated excitement on the level seen for the San Antonio Spurs' first overall pick, who will start at home against Texan rivals Dallas Mavericks after a remarkable preseason.