Wemby targets title breakthrough as NBA tips off

LOS ANGELES — French phenomenon Victor Wembanyama, knocking on the door almost since his arrival in the NBA three years ago, is poised for the ultimate breakout season with the San Antonio Spurs. “He just changes everything,” superstar LeBron James said of the towering 22-year-old, who will be aiming to further break the mold with his ferocious defense and an extraordinarily versatile playing style for a player who stands 7-foot-4 (2.24 m). Wembanyama was unanimously voted Defensive Player of the Year last season. With spectacular averages of 25 points, 11.5 rebounds and 3.1 blocks he finished third in Most Valuable Player voting. With another year under his belt Wembanyama is widely tipped to contend for both awards — and lead the young, ultra-talented Spurs back to the Finals a year after they were agonizingly denied by the New York Knicks. “We’re very hopeful, very ambitious and ready,” Wembanyama said as training camp began. Rejoining Wembanyama for another title tilt are 21-year-old Stephon Castle and 20-year-old Dylan Harper. In the offseason they added another piece to the puzzle in 34-year-old veteran Tobias Harris, who along with experience adds size and strength in the paint. Harris was tabbed as the most underrated signing of the offseason in a survey...