It's official: Victor Wembanyama is back.
After missing the final 36 games of the San Antonio Spurs' season with blood clot issues, Wembanyama has been cleared to resume full contact and practices and will have several months to get back in playing shape.
Of course, given that he has been seen in China, Japan, France, and Costa Rica this summer, it should come as no surpise that he would make a full recovery, and he is heading back to the gym.
“I'm officially cleared to return," Wembanyama told L'Equipe's Maxime Aubin. "It just happened — I got the green light from the Spurs' medical staff just a few hours ago (last Friday). Phew, I’ll finally be able to play a bit of basketball again!”
In 46 games for the Spurs last season, Wembanyama averaged 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.8 blocks. Had he met the 65-game threshold, he would have been a lock for his first Defensive Player of the Year award and first All-NBA appearance.
Last season, he expanded his offensive game and incorporated a more reliable 3-point shot into his arsenal. With the added playmaking of De'Aaron Fox--who he only shared the court with for five games last season--and Dylan Harper, Wembanyama is expected to continue to dominate on both ends of the floor as a franchise player.
The Spurs have not made the postseason since 2019, and a full season of a healthy Wembanyama should be enough for them to make it back to the playoffs.
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