The arrival of Victor Wembanyama in the NBA was a real earthquake two years ago, just as was the news last February that he was indefinitely sidelined due to a thrombosis in one leg, an injury that has prematurely ended the careers of many players. But fortunately, the Frenchman has announced his return to the basketball courts after the serious injury five months ago in an interview with L'Equipe where he admits he feared not being able to play again, Efe reports.
"Today I can officially say that I have left the thrombosis behind" in one leg, affirms the French star center of the San Antonio Spurs, who is participating in team bonding sessions while the younger players compete in the summer league in search of an opportunity.
'Wemby', 21 years old, was the first overall pick in the 2023 draft and at the end of his first season, he won the Rookie of the Year award, thanks to his 7'4" height and the enormous wingspan of his arms, but also to the intelligence of his game despite his youth.
However, the progression of his second season was cut short due to the issue in his leg, discovered on February 20, which forced him to an indefinite leave and caused him to fear having to quit basketball, as has happened to other players for the same reason. "I was afraid I wouldn't be able to play basketball again, I think it's something that happens to all of us," he explains.
The interview, conducted last Friday, took place just after Wembanyama received the medical clearance to return to training, although he is aware that he will have to come back very gradually.
"If I had to play a game tomorrow, it would be risky. I have to regain many reflexes, both mentally and in muscle memory," he explains. Nevertheless, he assures that he will come back stronger than ever.
This gradual return has led to his withdrawal from the Eurobasket starting on August 27, a decision made in conjunction with the technical staff of the French national team. "When you have such a serious health issue in life in general (...) You can't take risks," he explains.
Wembanyama details in the interview that he has taken advantage of this forced break to travel the world, with stays in Costa Rica, Japan, and China. In the latter country, he was learning meditation and kung fu at the Shaolin Monastery, the place where that martial art was invented.
"It was very tough. I discovered movements that we never do in our lives. We had to do over a thousand kicks every day, jumps, balance exercises, stretches. Muscles that we barely use were being used and quickly overloaded," he recalls.
The key piece for the Spurs to try to revive the glory they achieved in past decades with big men like 'the admiral' David Robinson or Tim Duncan believes that the Texas franchise does not need to seek big stars in the market. "The Spurs are masters in the art of building teams without going after big players or sacrificing the group's balance," he points out.
Finally, he insists on his "dream" of having his entire career in the NBA "with a single franchise," although he states that he has not yet thought about the contract extension he will be entitled to in a year, worth around $300 million over five years.