Wembanyama says he's cleared to return from deep vein thrombosis

Victor Wembanyama has been medically cleared after recovering from the deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder that kept him out for all 36 games following last season's All-Star break.

"It just happened," Wembanyama told French outlet L'Equipe, according to ESPN's Michael C. Wright. "I got the green light from the Spurs' medical staff just (on Friday). Phew, I'll finally be able to play a bit of basketball again."

The Spurs shut down the French 7-footer in February after he reportedly complained of low energy through the All-Star break. The 21-year-old had just competed in his first All-Star Game as a reserve but underwent testing upon his return to San Antonio that revealed deep vein thrombosis - a blood clot - in his shoulder.

Wembanyama, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, averaged 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, and 3.7 assists in 46 games last season. The former No. 1 overall pick had been predominantly healthy before the condition surfaced, missing just three games in November due to a bruised knee and two contests in early December because of back soreness. Wembanyama also missed a narrow Feb. 1 loss to the Heat with an undisclosed illness.

San Antonio has bolstered its roster around its franchise star ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, selecting former Rutgers star Dylan Harper and Arizona product Carter Bryant with the No. 2 and No. 14 overall picks in this year's draft. To add positional cover for Wembanyama, the club also signed Luke Kornet away from the Boston Celtics in free agency and acquired Kelly Olynyk in a trade with the Washington Wizards.