Victor Wembanyama has been officially cleared to return to basketball after recovering from a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, an injury that limited him to only 46 games last NBA season. The San Antonio Spurs’ medical staff gave him the all-clear, and Wembanyama confirmed the news in an interview with French newspaper L’Équipe.
A source within the NBA confirmed that the Spurs have cleared him, signaling his readiness to return to the court as the new NBA season approaches.
Wembanyama’s Path Back from Injury and Remarkable Performance Metrics
At just 21 years old, Wembanyama led the league last season in blocked shots despite missing several games after the All-Star break due to the blood clot diagnosis. Initially, the Spurs expected him to be ready for the start of training camp in September, but his recovery has progressed faster than anticipated.
During the 2023-24 season, the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year made history with a unique combination of skills: he attempted 304 three-pointers and blocked 176 shots, a feat no other player in NBA history has matched. His averages of 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.8 blocks place him alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the only other player to reach such a stat line, making him a strong contender for the 2025-26 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Training in Asia and Mental Preparation Fuel Wembanyama’s Comeback
After his season ended early, Wembanyama spent considerable time focusing on his physical and mental health. He undertook a unique 10-day training session at a Shaolin temple in Zhengzhou, China, where he worked closely with monks to enhance his mental focus and improve body positioning. This experience reflected his dedication to exploring unconventional methods to strengthen his game.
Following his training in China, Wembanyama took a vacation in Japan, where he gained attention for viral videos of himself playing soccer, showing his diverse athleticism. Sources close to the player said the Shaolin training positively impacted his mental discipline and physical conditioning.
Return to the Court and Fan Reception at NBA Summer League
Victor Wembanyama made his much-anticipated appearance at the NBA Summer League, where fans warmly welcomed him at the Thomas & Mack Center. During the San Antonio Spurs’ victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, the crowd applauded as he took his courtside seat alongside teammates De’Aaron Fox, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, Julian Champagnie, and Keldon Johnson, showing strong support for their star player’s return.
“I got the green light from the Spurs’ medical staff just [on Friday]. Phew, I’ll finally be able to play a bit of basketball again.”
—Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs forward
Looking Ahead: What Wembanyama’s Return Means for the Spurs
Wembanyama’s return marks a pivotal moment for the San Antonio Spurs as they aim to capitalize on his unique combination of size, skill, and defensive prowess. His health and presence on the court will boost the team’s chances to contend for titles in the upcoming season. The Spurs organization and fans alike will be watching closely to see how this young star builds on his breakthrough rookie campaign after overcoming a significant health challenge.