Victor Wembanyama resumed light court work and weight training as he recovered from the blood clot that ended his second NBA season.
The San Antonio Spurs center gave his first public update on 13 April 2025, nearly two months after the team diagnosed deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.
Wembanyama takes the next step in recovery
Wembanyama said his training remained controlled and light under the direction of the Spurs’ medical staff. He had not been cleared for contact and declined to discuss details of his treatment, including whether it involved an operation.
The 21-year-old said he sometimes wanted to push harder but understood the need to follow the recovery plan. He described his progress as on schedule, with several stages still ahead.
Wembanyama had appeared on the Spurs’ bench several times following the diagnosis and attended the NCAA men’s championship game courtside on 7 April.
Blood clot cuts short a dominant season
The condition cost Wembanyama the final 36 games of the 2024-25 season. He averaged 24.3 points, 11 rebounds and 3.8 blocks across 46 appearances before being ruled out.
Despite missing nearly half the schedule, he led the NBA with 176 blocked shots. Brook Lopez finished behind him after playing 80 games for Milwaukee.
Wembanyama had been a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, but the NBA’s 65-game eligibility rule removed him from consideration. San Antonio finished 34-48.
Spurs expect him back for training camp
Mitch Johnson, who coached the team during Gregg Popovich’s absence, said the Spurs expected Wembanyama to be fully fit by training camp. He added that the recovery remained in line with the club’s previous guidance.
Popovich suffered a mild stroke on 2 November 2024 and did not return to coach that season.
Wembanyama was less certain about representing France at EuroBasket later in the summer. He said too many questions remained to know whether playing in the tournament would be realistic.
