Victor Wembanyama Officially Cleared for Basketball—But What’s Next for the Rising Star?

Victor Wembanyama did not set foot on an NBA court after the All-Star Game, when he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. He missed enough games that he did not qualify for Defensive Player of the Year or other postseason honors that might have come his way.

Considering the timing of this announcement, it’s no surprise that Wembanyama is still ruled out of playing for France at EuroBasket 2025, which starts next month. Talk to scouts and front office people around the league about who can challenge Oklahoma City’s dominance in the West, for next year they usually say Denver and Houston, but talk about two or three years down the line and they fear San Antonio and what they will become with Wembanyama and a good core around him. He just needs to stay healthy.
Wembanyama averaged 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game when healthy last season (although he missed 36 games, he still led the league in total blocks). At age 21, he was named to his first All-Star team. Victor Wembanyama’s season took an abrupt pause after the All-Star break, sidelined by a daunting diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. It was a tough break—or rather, a stern medical call—that saw him miss enough action to slip under the radar for Defensive Player of the Year and other accolades he would’ve easily been in the conversation for. Now, here’s the kicker: he’s been given the all-clear and is gearing up to return at the start of the next NBA season. Just a few days ago, he confirmed to L’Équipe that the Spurs’ medical team has officially greenlit his comeback—finally, some good news at last! When healthy, Wembanyama put up eye-popping numbers last year—averaging 24.3 points, snagging 11 boards, and swatting nearly four shots a game. Despite missing 36 contests, he still reigned supreme as the league’s block leader and earned his first All-Star nod at only 21. Of course, with EuroBasket 2025 kicking off soon, his return won’t come in time for Team France. Still, whispers around scouting desks and front offices hint that while Denver and Houston may challenge Oklahoma City’s Western dominance next year, the real concern on the horizon—two, three seasons down—is San Antonio’s rise with Wembanyama in the fold. The one caveat? He just has to keep himself on the hardwood and stay healthy. LEARN MORE“I’m officially cleared to return. It just happened — I got the green light from the Spurs’ medical staff just a few hours ago [this was reported on July 11]. Phew, I’ll finally be able to play a bit of basketball again!”Wembanyama has been medically cleared and will be back to start next season, he told French sports publication L’Équipe.