San Antonio Spurs’ standout player Victor Wembanyama has significantly increased his physical strength, adding 30 pounds since entering the NBA, a development that has captured widespread attention. The 21-year-old, originally from Paris, revealed this change during an appearance on Kevin Hart’s show, Cold as Balls.
Wembanyama explained that he entered the league two seasons ago weighing approximately 215 pounds and now weighs 245 pounds. This gain comes from a carefully planned training regimen aimed at building muscle without sacrificing his agility and quickness on the court.
Balancing Power with Agility
The Parisian big man emphasized the delicate balance between gaining weight and maintaining his mobility.
“Strength training, of course, but the main thing for me is I could, in theory, put on a lot of weight, but I would lose some of my mobility,”
he shared.
He further acknowledged the careful attention devoted to his transformation, highlighting the involvement of numerous advisors and experts to ensure the process was done thoughtfully:
“Some of my athleticism. So, it’s something that needs to be done really carefully, and I have a lot of eyes and a lot of minds thinking about me in this instance.”
Early Impact and Career Highlights
Wembanyama’s rise has been swift and impressive. Selected as the number one overall pick in 2023, he immediately made an impact by dominating in his rookie season. Over 71 games, he averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and an impressive 3.6 blocks per game. His performance earned him the Rookie of the Year award and he finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
In his second year, Wembanyama was poised to take another leap forward but faced a setback after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, limiting him to just 46 games. Before the diagnosis, he was averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and 3.8 blocks per game, and was widely considered the favorite for Defensive Player of the Year.
Preparing for a Breakout Third Season
Now entering his third NBA season, Wembanyama is viewed as primed to dominate, especially after his recent physical transformation. Listed at 7 feet 3 inches, he is rumored to have grown taller in recent months, adding to his already intimidating presence. The combination of increased muscle mass and possible height gains presents a new level of challenge for opponents.
NBA fans and analysts alike have expressed excitement and concern about Wembanyama’s progress, predicting that the strengthened Spurs star could become a major threat league-wide.
Fan Reactions Highlight Growing Expectations
News of Wembanyama’s 30-pound gain triggered enthusiastic responses from the NBA fanbase, many drawing parallels to former stars who transformed their games through physical growth. One fan commented on social media,
“He’s about to be hell in the league.”
Others noted similarities to reigning MVP-caliber players, with one remarking,
“That boy entered his Giannis phase quick, I love it,”
referencing Giannis Antetokounmpo’s own transformative journey. Another supporter predicted,
“Bro is gonna be a problem. He mentally has what it takes and the skill and the size, he’s gonna be MVP this season, I’m calling it.”
Shifting Dynamics for Spurs Amid Leadership Changes
Wembanyama’s development coincides with a significant transition for the Spurs organization. After nearly 30 years at the helm, legendary coach Gregg Popovich retired following a stroke in 2025. The bond between Wembanyama and Popovich was strong, with the player reflecting on the coach’s influence and leadership.
“First of all, the person,” Wembanyama said, emphasizing their close relationship.
“We were all really close. We all have really good relationships between the teammates and him. It’s always sad and shocking when something like this happens.”
Wembanyama also paid tribute to Popovich’s work ethic and inspirational presence:
“What’s incredible with him is that he keeps giving hope being the person that he is. He keeps inspiring us. Because the way he works, he works harder than most athletes in the world.”
With Popovich stepping away, the Spurs now look to Wembanyama to carry the team forward and maintain its competitive status in the NBA.
The NBA Landscape Awaits a New Force
With a notable 30-pound transformation and continued improvement in his game, Victor Wembanyama is poised to take the NBA by storm in his third season. His unique combination of size, skill, and now added strength has elevated expectations for what he can achieve.
As the San Antonio Spurs adapt to new leadership and confront the challenges of the highly competitive league, Wembanyama’s evolution could signal the arrival of the next dominant player shaping the NBA’s future landscape.