Victor Wembanyama was diagnosed with deep-vein thrombosis in March due to a blood clot in his shoulder, which came at a particularly difficult time for the second-year Spurs player. He averaged 24.3 points and 11.0 rebounds while also recording a league-high 3.8 blocks and 1.1 steals.
Wembanyama was the front-runner to win the league’s Defensive Player of the Year title at the time, which not only carries significant reputation but also puts him in the top bracket for a contract extension with the Spurs. A minimum of 65 games is required to win, and with only 46 games under his belt, Wembanyama fell short of the award.
When he spoke with reporters last month, Wembanyama was hesitant to discuss the issue or if he had undergone surgery to treat it.
“There’s many more things than surgery when you go to the hospital for a blood clot,” Wembanyama told me. “We’re taking our time, and I’m not late or early [in recovery], but it’s a process, and there are obviously steps for me to complete. At the time, I had no idea of the severity of the disease. But, looking back, I did feel a particular way. I wasn’t in great form for the All-Star Game. Learning and processing were far from easy.
“I believe I did, and I am currently doing my best to care for my body while trusting the medical staff’s great work. I’m confident it’ll help me grow and improve.”
While both Wembanyama and the Spurs have been cryptic about the injury and his recovery timeframe, the organization has consistently stated that the big man is anticipated to return to the court to begin next season.
And there was good news on that front this week when photos surfaced of Wembanyama working out with his countryman, French prospect Maxime Raynaud, who played at Stanford.
Wembanyama was believed to have been cleared for weightlifting but not for on-floor contact. It’s unclear whether Wembanyama made contact with Raynaud during his exercise, but he appears to be at ease being back on the floor.
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