Victor Wembanyama offered perspective and gratitude following a season cut short by deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.
Despite the setback, the San Antonio Spurs star credited the care he received and the people around him. “Looking back, I’m really lucky,” he said, per ClutchPoints.
The 7-foot-5 center acknowledged the support system that surrounded him throughout his treatment. “All the attention I got from the incredible people here, incredible at their jobs and incredible persons too from my visits to the hospital and such,” Wembanyama explained. “I think I got as good as a care as you can get as a patient.”
Wembanyama’s sophomore season was filled with historic achievements before the Spurs shut him down on February 20, 2025. He averaged 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and led the NBA with 3.8 blocks across 46 games.
The 21-year-old became only the third player in league history to record multiple five-by-five games, joining Hakeem Olajuwon and Andrei Kirilenko.
He posted a career-high 50 points on November 13 against the Washington Wizards and recorded 10 blocks twice during the season, including a standout game against Portland on December 21.
In his Christmas Day debut, Wembanyama delivered 42 points and 18 rebounds against the New York Knicks, becoming just the third player to record 40+ points and 15+ rebounds in a Christmas game.
Reflecting on his injury, Wembanyama emphasized resilience over regret. “This happened. But all of us in that room, all of us in the league we do with what we get,” he said. “We do with what we’re blessed with. I’m still in the one percent luckiest people, so I’ve got nothing to complain about. It’s a really slight setback.”
The Spurs, who finished the season 34-48 and 13th in the Western Conference, now turn toward building for next year under new head coach Mitch Johnson following Gregg Popovich’s retirement.
