Victor Wembanyama spotted bald and in robes at Shaolin Temple in China following shoulder DVT setback
(Image Source - Getty Images)
Standing at 7 feet 3 inches, this NBA superstar is trading in his high-flying dunks for some much-needed calm. Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs was recently seen at the iconic Shaolin Temple in China, where he swapped his signature curls for a shaved head and donned monk robes.
This tranquil appearance comes after he had to sit out early in the season back in February due to a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder. Fans are now left wondering: is this spiritual break just a pause, or is it a significant step towards healing and refocusing for the next NBA season?
Victor Wembanyama embarks on a 10‑day Shaolin
monk retreat
after DVT diagnosis sidelines season
Victor Wembanyama, who was named the 2023‑24 NBA Rookie of the Year, has embarked on a ten-day retreat at the historic Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, diving deep into monk life.
Last season, he averaged 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, but his campaign ended early in February due to a rare case of deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. Now, he's swapping the basketball court for a monastic lifestyle – donning traditional grey robes, enjoying vegetarian meals, and sitting quietly among Buddha statues.
On this quiet 10-day spiritual trip, Wembanyama has apparently set aside the usual NBA tour excitement in China.
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He took a break from his travel plans from checking out the Great Wall to seeing Beijing to fully dive into Shaolin Kung Fu and meditation. Access to the temple has been limited, and the young star has turned down media interactions to keep the peace of his retreat.
How a Shaolin retreat could reshape Wembanyama's comeback—physically and mentally
This isn't just about Zen and being alone, it's a calculated strategy that fuses physical therapy with mental resilience. The Shaolin training underscores both intense physical discipline and inner clarity traits that align with Wembanyama's elite athletic goals.
After being diagnosed with DVT after the All-Star Game, he has been taking a measured recovery getting back into weight training and court work in April stressing, 'there are definitely steps for me to reach.
' Now, this monk-like break could sharpen his mindset, giving him a fresh purpose as he looks forward to a full recovery and a return for the 2025 season.
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Social media is buzzing with excitement. Captions like "tallest monk in history" are lighting up X, and fans are calling it a courageous, humble transition for one of basketball's most fascinating young talents. The NBA's China sector even recognized his journey of reflection and healing on its official X account.
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