The San Antonio Spurs enter the upcoming NBA season with heightened expectations, driven by a revamped roster and the highly anticipated return of Victor Wembanyama. The French phenom has reportedly been training nonstop during the offseason and is said to be in peak condition heading into Year 3.
One of the primary concerns surrounding Wembanyama ahead of his rookie year was his slender frame. But in a recent appearance on Cold as Balls, the 7-foot-4 forward revealed he has added 30 pounds since entering the league. “I gained probably like 30 lbs,” Wembanyama told host Kevin Hart, stating that he now weighs around 245 lbs after starting in the 215–220 range.
When asked how he managed to bulk up without compromising his athleticism, Wembanyama emphasized a cautious approach. “Strength training, of course, but the main thing for me is I could, in theory, put on a lot of weight, but I would lose some of my mobility, some of my athleticism,” he explained. “So it’s something that needs to be done really carefully, and I have a lot of eyes and a lot of minds thinking about me in this instance.”
Many had called for Wembanyama to add muscle, fearing that his lean build wouldn’t withstand the physical toll of the NBA. However, he and the Spurs resisted outside noise and prioritized carefully structured strength training to maximize his unique physical gifts.
Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs.
Even as a rookie, Wembanyama delivered massive production. He appeared in 71 games for the Spurs after being selected first overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and a league-leading 3.6 blocks per game. He was named Rookie of the Year and finished as runner-up in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
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Wembanyama seemed destined to claim the DPOY title and potentially lead the Spurs into the postseason, but his season was cut short just after the All-Star break. The team shut him down due to a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder—a setback unrelated to wear-and-tear or his frame.
The condition was a medical anomaly and not indicative of any long-term risk. Still, Spurs medical staff will likely monitor him closely in the future to prevent further complications. The organization remains confident that his health will not be a lingering concern.
If healthy, Wembanyama could take a significant leap in 2025–26. Before being sidelined, he was averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and 3.8 blocks per game—numbers that place him in elite company. All signs point to a breakout sophomore campaign for one of the NBA’s most promising young stars.
