Victor Wembanyama has been medically cleared to return to basketball after a blood clot in his shoulder prematurely ended his rookie season.
“I’m officially cleared to return.” The 21-year-old Spurs star revealed the news while attending NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, telling French outlet L’Équipe’s Maxime Aubin. “It just happened – I got the green light from the Spurs’ medical staff just a few hours ago (last Friday). Phew, I’ll finally be able to play a bit of basketball again!”
🚨BREAKING VIA @lequipe.
Victor Wembanyama has announced he’s officially recovered from the blood clot in his shoulder :
“I’m officially cleared to return. It just happened — I got the green light from the Spurs’ medical staff just a few hours ago (last Friday). Phew, I’ll…
— Maxime Aubin (@MaximeAubin1) July 14, 2025
Wembanyama was sidelined back in February when he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.
The clot was discovered shortly after his first NBA All-Star Game appearance when he reported discomfort in his arm. Additional testing led to the diagnosis.
The Spurs always maintained Wembanyama would recover in time for the 2025-26 season, though they were unable to give a firm timeline. Treatment for deep vein thrombosis typically involves blood-thinning medication, which can make return-to-play dates unpredictable.
In April, the seven-foot-four phenom provided a positive update during his recovery process. “We’re taking our time,” Wembanyama said at the time. “I’m neither late or early, but it’s a process.”
Wembanyama was seen courtside during Summer League games, but has not participated in any on-court activities since the diagnosis.
The Spurs will now shift their focus to getting their franchise centerpiece back into game shape ahead of training camp later this year.
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