In the 2023 NBA draft, the San Antonio Spurs selected a 7’4 center from France, Victor Wembanyama. Wembanyama had an electric start to his career, winning Rookie of the Year and runner-up in Defensive Player of the Year voting. In his sophomore season, He continued this success and earned his first career All-Star selection. After competing in the 2025 all-star game, Wembanyama was experiencing low energy, which concerned the Spurs.
After completing tests on the Frenchman, it was discovered that Wembanyama was dealing with deep vein thrombosis, a form of blood clot, in his shoulder. The basketball world was stunned, as the news was released out of nowhere. His season was over, but Wembanyama was not done fulfilling his legacy.
Coming out of the draft, Wembanyama was the most hyped-up prospect since Lebron James in 2003. A 7’4 center that can do it all, what’s not to love? The expectations have been high since he was a teenager, and it has not gotten to Wembanyama’s head at all. An incredible work ethic on top of his elite skill makes him one of the most intriguing players ever to step onto the hardwood.
In 117 games to start his career, Wembanyama averaged 22.5 PPG, 10 RPG, and 3.7 BPG. At only 21 years old, he is set up wonderfully to set records across the league and make numerous All-NBA and All-Defensive teams throughout his career. After missing the final 30 games of the season, Wembanyama will look to make an instant impact on the Spurs roster that needs their star back.
The San Antonio Spurs made an aggressive move at the trade deadline, acquiring De’Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings. At only 27 years old, the Spurs hope Fox can be the point guard of the future next to reigning rookie of the year Stephon Castle in the backcourt.
The Spurs ended the season 11-19 without their new star duo, earning them the second pick in this year’s NBA draft. The Spurs will have plenty of options with that pick, including drafting Rutgers guard Dylan Harper or trading the pick for more capital. As the Spurs already are loaded at guard, it would seem to make a ton of sense for them to trade back and add to their subpar roster.
The expectations for a player of Wembanyama’s caliber will always be astronomical. Defensive player of the year contention every season. All-Defensive team every season. All-NBA every season. It’s difficult to live up to those expectations, especially as a 21-year-old coming off a serious injury. His return next season will impact not only the Spurs, but the entire NBA. The dynamic center will be a nightmare for anyone to play against on both sides of the ball when healthy.
If his current trajectory holds, there is no reason to believe that Wembanyama will not go down as one of the greatest and most skilled big men of all time. It is not every day his unique blend of size and ability is mixed with determination on another level. He is truly a one-of-a-kind athlete.
One of the most hyped-up players in NBA history, only comparable to Lebron James. Coming off an injury like he is, it would be easy for Wemby to just put his head down and take a break but there have been no signs of that. Tries everything he can, including going to China to “begin his journey of inner discipline, focus, and mind-body harmony”.
A potential record-breaker and all-time great will look to return next season to a revamped roster and the goal of greatness on his mind. Will he be able to lead a roster with so many flaws to a playoff spot? Will he be able to live up to the monstrous expectations? These are questions that can’t be answered right now but will be answered through the determination of a 7’4 star looking to fulfill the expectations.
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