Out of an injury-riddled season so far, Wembanyama is in danger of missing out on the league’s individual awards.
Following another injury issue, Victor Wembanyama’s chances at major NBA awards are once again in jeopardy.
Wembanyama sustained a slight left knee hyperextension in the San Antonio Spurs' recent win over the New York Knicks. Although the severity has been minimal, the window is still closing for him to reach the league's 65-game rule.
Players are required to play at least 65 regular-season games to be eligible for major end-of-season awards like the Most Valuable Player trophy and the Defensive Player of the Year honors.
“I don’t dislike that rule. And yes, of course it’s in my mind, even if it’s not the first thing I think about," the Spurs phenom said about the NBA's 65-game rule, via Maxime Aubin. "But I also know the Spurs medical staff will do their job regardless of that.
"That’s what we expect from them, and they’re very good at staying objective.”
As he is now ruled out for the team's upcoming matchup against the Indiana Pacers, Wemby can only miss four more games if he desires to remain eligible for this season's individual awards. He previously missed 12 consecutive games due to a calf strain.
The French star saw a disappointing end to his major run last 2024-25 due to blood clots, which prevented him from winning individual accolades. This season, Spurs fans can only hope that he'll be healthy moving forward.
Wembanyama is currently averaging 24.3 points, 11.7 boards and 3.4 assists this season to lead the second-seeded Spurs, and it would be disappointing if he fails to get rewarded due to injuries.
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