NBA: Wembanyama Cleared to Play After Blood Clot Recovery

The 21-year-old standout has been officially medically cleared following a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder, which prematurely ended his 2024‑25 NBA season in February.

Wembanyama confirmed to L’Équipe that he received the green light from Spurs’ medical staff “a few hours ago,” and expressed relief: “Phew, I’ll finally be able to play a bit of basketball again”.

His journey included surgery in March, with season goals to return by training camp. He balanced physical rehab with mental and spiritual work—taking trips to Costa Rica, Japan, and a 10-day Shaolin temple retreat in China, earning entry in the Shaolin Duan Pin system and training intensively in kung fu. Wembanyama admitted he feared “not being able to play basketball anymore” but now feels better “physically and mentally,” calling the ordeal “an adventure” with “the hardest part… over”. His sophomore season was electric: 24.3 PPG, 11 RPG, 3.7 APG, 3.8 BPG over 46 games – only Mahmoud Abdul-Jabbar matched that stat line.

The Spurs ended 34:48 and missed the playoffs after his midseason exit. Now rejoining a strengthened core—which includes De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle (2025 ROY), new draft picks Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant, plus veterans Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk—San Antonio is optimistic about a playoff push in 2025‑26.

San Antonio has gained more than a health boost—they’ve added a player who inches closer to transcendent superstardom. With his dominant two-way game, renewed purpose, and rich supporting cast, Wemby’s return isn’t just both a relief and a strategic coup – it’s a turning point for the franchise’s trajectory.