The basketball world held its breath in late February when Wembanyama, fresh off his inaugural All-Star appearance, was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. His case is a rare and serious blood clot that led to his shutdown for the remainder of the 2024–25 NBA season.

His sophomore campaign had seen him post staggering averages of 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.8 blocks per game, establishing himself as a Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner and living up to the generational hype. 

After months of uncertainty and meticulous rehabilitation, relief swept through Spurs nation when Wembanyama was officially cleared by medical staff to resume basketball activities, arriving just in time for training camp.

Sources close to the player confirmed that his type of DVT was treatable and that he showed no signs of a recurring issue, giving San Antonio every reason to refocus on their championship aspirations. 

Offseason Evolution: From Shaolin to NBA Stardom

Wembanyama didn’t settle for routine rehab; instead, he embarked on a transformative journey to the Shaolin Temple in China, training with monks in kung fu and immersing himself in a regimen designed to sharpen his body and mind.

Rising each day at 4:30 a.m., he learned discipline, flexibility, and optimal body positioning, skills he believes will translate directly to his court dominance. 

He complemented this unconventional training with workouts led by NBA legend Kevin Garnett and full-court competitive runs in Los Angeles, where insiders described him as “looking stellar” and noticeably stronger. 

Choosing to skip France’s EuroBasket campaign, Wembanyama prioritized his health and focus for the NBA stage, where his return is enthusiastically anticipated.

Spurs Poised for a New Era

With Wembanyama both physically and mentally fortified, the Spurs’ optimism is palpable. The team has surrounded him with dynamic talent, including point guard De’Aaron Fox and high-upside rookie Dylan Harper, foreshadowing a rising Western Conference contender

Given his fully cleared status and holistic offseason growth, expectations are sky-high for a player who has already outpaced comparisons to LeBron James in his early career. 

As the 2025–26 season approaches, all eyes turn to San Antonio, where Wembanyama stands ready to redefine what’s possible for himself and for the franchise he now leads.