Victor Wembanyama Cleared to Play
Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs’ promising star, has received medical clearance to resume playing after recovering from a blood clot in his right shoulder, a condition that led to him sitting out 36 games last season. In an interview with the French publication L’Équipe, Wembanyama expressed his excitement:
“I’m officially cleared to return,” adding, “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.”
Early Medical Approval
This medical approval comes earlier than expected, as the organization had anticipated Wembanyama would be ready for the team’s training camp at the beginning of September. The French athlete, only 21 years old, made headlines last season by leading the NBA in blocked shots with 176—an impressive feat considering his season was cut short shortly after the All-Star break.
Outstanding Season Performance
Despite the interruption caused by the thrombosis, Wembanyama had an outstanding season, averaging:
- 24.3 points
- 11 rebounds
- 3.7 assists
- 3.8 blocks per game
This performance places him in an elite category alongside NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the only other player to achieve such impressive averages in a season.
Future Prospects
Wembanyama is already being speculated as a contender for the 2025-26 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. The rookie also demonstrated versatility by attempting 304 three-pointers last season.
Unique Training Experiences
Recently returning from a unique training experience in China, where he practiced Kung Fu at a Shaolin temple for ten days, Wembanyama sought to enhance his mental focus and physical positioning. This was followed by a trip to Japan, where he garnered attention for showcasing his skills in soccer.
Excitement at the NBA Summer League
Onlookers were thrilled to see him at the NBA Summer League, where he joined teammates De’Aaron Fox, Harrison Barnes, Jeremy Sochan, Julian Champagnie, and Keldon Johnson, earning applause as he took his seat courtside during San Antonio’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers. With Wembanyama back in the mix, the Spurs’ future looks promising.