Imagine a basketball prodigy whose off-season involves training with Shaolin monks, visiting NASA, and hosting a chess tournament—all while recovering from a career-threatening injury. That’s Victor Wembanyama, the 21-year-old French phenom whose journey back to the NBA is anything but ordinary. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a player who’s spent more time globetrotting than on the court truly dominate the league this season?
The last time Wembanyama stepped onto an NBA court was during the 2025 All-Star Game in February. Just three days later, his season was abruptly cut short due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder—a condition as dangerous as it sounds, capable of derailing both careers and lives. Fast forward eight months, and the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year is set to kick off his third campaign as the San Antonio Spurs face the Dallas Mavericks. Wembanyama returns not just as a player, but as a transformed figure, both physically and experientially, poised to pick up where he left off.
Physically, Wembanyama has undergone a noticeable growth spurt. Officially listed at 7ft 4in (2.24m), he’s an inch taller than last season, though some reports suggest he’s closer to 7ft 5in. His weight, listed at 16st 11lb (106.6kg), has dropped two pounds since 2023, but he revealed to actor Kevin Hart that he’s actually gained 'probably like 30 pounds' during his NBA tenure. While Wembanyama and Spurs officials downplay this transformation, it’s only fueled the excitement surrounding his return.
During his extended off-season—thanks to injury—Wembanyama didn’t just rest. He thrived. He became the fastest NBA player in history to amass one billion combined social media followers and post likes, all while making the most of his time away from the court. While most athletes opt for vacations, Wembanyama spent 10 days training with monks at a Shaolin Temple in Zhengzhou, China. His travels didn’t stop there—videos surfaced of him playing football with locals in Costa Rica and Tokyo. Nicknamed 'the Alien,' he also visited NASA’s Johnson Space Center, hosted a chess and basketball tournament at his court in Le Chesnay, France, and even met Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe. Oh, and did we mention he’s an avid reader, often spotted with a book in hand before games?
'He’s so intentional in the variety of ways he tries to improve as a player and person,' said Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson. 'He’s constantly pushing himself out of his comfort zone to learn new things.'
On the court, Wembanyama’s preparation has been equally impressive. NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon, the 1994 MVP and 12-time All-Star, invited him to train privately at one of basketball’s most exclusive camps. Past attendees include LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the late Kobe Bryant. He also trained with another NBA great, Kevin Garnett, as he geared up for his highly anticipated return.
While Wembanyama respects all his off-court endeavors, he’s clear about his priority: returning to peak basketball fitness. 'I can assure you, nobody has trained like I did this summer,' he said. 'I think I’ve maxed out what I could do in one summer. Now, I need to play basketball.'
Wembanyama’s absence last season was felt deeply by the Spurs, who missed him for the final 30 games and managed just 11 victories in that stretch. Despite missing 36 games in total, he still led the league in blocks for the second consecutive season. Before his injury, the Spurs were 23-29, within striking distance of a playoff berth for the first time since 2021-22. Now, with a roster blending young stars like Stephon Castle (the 2024-25 Rookie of the Year) and veterans like De’Aaron Fox, Kelly Olynyk, and Harrison Barnes, plus newcomers Dylan Harper, Carter Bryant, and Jeremy Sochan, the Spurs are building for the future.
In pre-season, Wembanyama has looked like he never left, averaging 17 points, nearly nine rebounds, and four assists. He helped the Spurs secure four victories, including back-to-back wins over the Eastern Conference champions, the Indiana Pacers. Early predictions already place him among the favorites for this season’s MVP award. While it may not be his year just yet, his talent is undeniable. But here’s the real question: Can he stay healthy long enough to claim that MVP title? Given his injury history, it’s a valid concern—but if anyone can defy the odds, it’s Wembanyama.
And this is the part most people miss: Wembanyama isn’t just a basketball player; he’s a cultural phenomenon. His unique blend of athleticism, intellect, and curiosity makes him a figure unlike any other in the sport. So, as he steps back onto the court, the question isn’t just whether he’ll dominate—it’s how he’ll redefine what it means to be an NBA superstar. What do you think? Is Wembanyama destined for greatness, or will his unconventional path prove too risky? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
