Victor Wembanyama Cleared to Return After Blood Clot Recovery

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has announced that he has been medically cleared to return to basketball following a recovery period from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his shoulder. The announcement, made to the French newspaper L’Equipe, marks a significant milestone in Wembanyama's journey back to the court after being sidelined since February 2025.

Wembanyama, the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year, had been experiencing symptoms of DVT, which can arise from a blood clot in a vein, often leading to serious health concerns. A source familiar with the situation confirmed to the Associated Press that Wembanyama has now received clearance from the Spurs medical team to participate fully in the upcoming training camp.

"I’m officially cleared to return. … I’ll finally be able to play a bit of basketball again," Wembanyama stated, reflecting on the emotional toll the injury had taken. He expressed relief and optimism about returning to a Spurs team that is building a promising young core, which includes recent high draft picks like Dylan Harper and last season's standout, Stephon Castle.

The Spurs had anticipated Wembanyama's return, although official confirmation had been pending until now. His DVT was described as being likely provoked rather than indicative of a genetic predisposition, a crucial distinction as it suggests a lower likelihood of recurrence. Medical experts note that this type of condition, particularly when related to compression from anatomical structures, is often manageable.

Dr. Emily Roberts, a vascular specialist at the Mayo Clinic, emphasized the importance of monitoring and rehabilitation following a DVT. "With appropriate medical management, many athletes have successfully returned to high-level competition after similar issues," Dr. Roberts stated in a 2023 interview with Sports Medicine Journal.

Wembanyama's previous performance had been remarkable; he averaged 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, and 3.7 assists per game before his diagnosis. He is noted for his unique skill set and has drawn comparisons to legends such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who also had an exceptional start to his career.

Reflecting on his time away from the game, Wembanyama described his physical and mental challenges during recovery. He has engaged in various physical activities, including a stay at a Shaolin temple in China, where he practiced kung fu and meditation. "We were initiated to the life of a warrior monk, which combines Buddhism and intensive kung fu practice. It was very hard, and I had some of the biggest aches and pains of my life," he recounted, indicating his commitment to both physical and mental conditioning.

As he prepares to return, Wembanyama acknowledges the need for a gradual ramp-up to full intensity. "I have to continue specific work on my shoulder and especially get back into everything related to my basketball habits," he noted, highlighting the importance of muscle memory and skill reacquisition after a prolonged absence from competitive play.

The upcoming NBA season will be crucial for Wembanyama as he looks to re-establish himself among the league's elite while contributing to the Spurs' aspirations as a playoff contender. The Spurs organization, under the leadership of Coach Mitch Johnson, is optimistic about integrating Wembanyama back into their lineup, especially given the team's recent successes and promising trajectory.

In light of Wembanyama's clearance, many are watching closely to see how he adapts to the rigors of the NBA once again, as well as how his experiences during recovery will shape his performance and resilience on the court. As the Spurs prepare for training camp, Wembanyama's return could significantly impact the team's dynamics and aspirations for the upcoming season.