Victor Wembanyama, the 21-year-old French sensation, is set to make his NBA return as the San Antonio Spurs open the new season against the Dallas Mavericks. The 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year has been away since February 2025, when a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder ended his season prematurely, threatening both his career and health.

Eight months on, Wembanyama arrives back on the court not just fit, but transformed—physically, mentally, and strategically—after one of the most unusual and varied off-seasons in recent NBA history.

Physical Transformation and Pre-Season Form

Standing officially at 7ft 4in (2.24m), Wembanyama has reportedly grown another inch since last season, with some estimates putting him closer to 7ft 5in. While listed at 16st 11lb (106.6kg), he has claimed in interviews that he has actually gained around 30 pounds of muscle since joining the league.

On the court, his pre-season performance reflects this growth. Averaging 17 points, nearly 9 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, Wembanyama has shown no rust and appears ready to resume his role as one of the NBA’s most dominant young forwards.

A Summer Like No Other

Unlike many athletes who take a traditional summer break, Wembanyama embarked on a series of unique personal and professional experiences.

• He spent 10 days at a Shaolin Temple in Zhengzhou, China, training with monks.
• He traveled to Costa Rica and Tokyo, participating in local football games.
• He visited NASA’s Johnson Space Center and hosted a chess and basketball tournament at his own court in Le Chesnay, France.
• He met Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe and indulged in hours of reading, highlighting his off-court intellectual pursuits.

Wembanyama also trained with NBA legends Hakeem Olajuwon and Kevin Garnett, further developing his skills in elite, private sessions. Olajuwon, 1994 NBA MVP and 12-time All-Star, has mentored some of the league’s greatest players, including LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the late Kobe Bryant.

“I can assure you nobody has trained like I did this summer,” Wembanyama said. “I think I’ve maxed out what I could do in one summer. Now, I need to play basketball.”

Making Up for Lost Time

Wembanyama missed the final 30 games of the Spurs’ 2024-25 season, during which the team only recorded 11 victories. Despite missing a total of 36 games, he still led the league in blocks for a second consecutive season, demonstrating his defensive impact.

The Spurs’ roster combines youth and experience, featuring Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox, Kelly Olynyk, Harrison Barnes, and recent first-round draft picks Dylan Harper, Carter Bryant, and British prospect Jeremy Sochan. Wembanyama’s return enhances an already promising team, giving the Spurs hope of reaching the post-season for the first time since 2021-22.

MVP Potential

Early pre-season form positions Wembanyama as a strong candidate for the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award this season. While he may not yet be at his peak, his combination of size, skill, and versatility makes him one of the league’s most exciting talents. Assuming his health remains intact, an MVP award feels more probable than possible for the French forward.