Victor Wembanyama Cleared and Ready to Play for Spurs After Blood Clot Recovery – The Athletic
Victor Wembanyama Ready to Make Comeback as Spurs Training Camp Gets Underway
SAN ANTONIO — As the San Antonio Spurs gear up for their training camp this week, star player Victor Wembanyama has eagerly expressed his readiness to return to the court after overcoming a serious health setback. The 21-year-old French center, who dealt with a blood clot last February, shared his enthusiasm during the Spurs media day on Monday, stating, “I feel like I need to play basketball now.”
Wembanyama, who has dedicated much of his summer to honing his skills, remarked on the importance of live gameplay for his development: “Obviously, I’ve played basketball almost all summer. But, on my body, there’s only so many steps that I’m going to pass in the summer. I’m only going to get so much better, and I think I’ve maxed out what I can do in one summer.”
Health Update: Wembanyama Cleared for Action
Coach Mitch Johnson, who stepped up as the Spurs’ head coach following Gregg Popovich’s health issues, confirmed that both the team and the NBA have given Wembanyama the green light to return to action. “He’s been ramping up. He’s been in a really good place,” Johnson stated, noting that Wembanyama has shown exceptional excitement about getting back on the court.
Recovery Journey: Overcoming Deep Vein Thrombosis
Wembanyama faced a challenging recovery after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right collarbone, which sidelined him for the final 30 games of the season. He underwent treatment with blood thinners to dissolve the clot and spent the summer focused on maximizing his physical condition.
“I’m so much more under control and my conditioning has gotten so much better, but that comes at a price, and what I’ve done this summer is world-class,” Wembanyama noted, reflecting on his unique training methods which included rigorous drills and even Kung Fu sessions with monks in China.
Impressive Performance Stats Show Promising Future
Last season, Wembanyama posted impressive averages of 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and led the league with 3.8 blocks per game across 46 contests. His three-point shooting percentage rose significantly to 35.2%, showcasing his offensive growth.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 24.3 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 11.0 |
| Assists Per Game | 3.7 |
| Blocks Per Game | 3.8 |
| Three-Point Percentage | 35.2% |
With Wembanyama’s continuous development and increased confidence in his training regimen, he is poised for a significant leap this season. “I can assure you, nobody has trained like I did this summer,” he asserted, adding, “I feel better, I look stronger and the scale says I’m heavier. So everything is a green light.”
Upcoming Matches: Spurs’ Preseason Kickoff
The Spurs will officially open their training camp on Tuesday, preparing for their first preseason game against the Guangzhou Loong Lions on October 6. Wembanyama is particularly hopeful about making his much-anticipated return during this game.
In contrast, Spurs point guard De’Aaron Fox faces uncertainties regarding his participation due to a right hamstring injury coupled with recovery from surgery on his left pinkie finger. Fox expressed his feelings, saying, “I feel like I can play on opening day, but (the Spurs are) not letting me. We’re taking it day by day.”
Additionally, rookie guard Dylan Harper is also working to regain fitness after undergoing thumb surgery earlier this month, adding to the team’s challenges as they navigate through the preseason.
As the Spurs prepare for an exciting season ahead, all eyes are on Victor Wembanyama as he seeks to showcase his potential and help lead the team to success.
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