Victor Wembanyama shaves head as he takes retreat at China's Shaolin Temple
Victor Wembanyama is tapping into his inner monk.
As part of an offseason excursion to China, the 7-foot-4 Spurs center is taking part in a 10-day retreat at the 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple.
Photos of Wembanyama, 21, with a newly shaved head circulated on social media this week, and the NBA's China office confirmed that the Frenchman is at the Buddhist temple.
Advertisement
According to Spurs reporter Dusty Garza, Wemby is undergoing a 'journey of inner discipline, focus and mind-body harmony.'
Wembanyama is readying for his third NBA season after he was diagnosed with season-ending blood clots in his right shoulder in February.
Advertisement
He enjoyed a terrific sophomore season until that point, earning an All-Star nod by averaging 24.3 points and 11 rebounds per game.
But besides his dazzling play on the court, Wembanyama has endeared himself to fans through his quirky and sometimes nerdy persona.
The 21-year-old is a proud bookworm — a fan of science fiction, to be specific — and he's also a chess lover who played with fans at Washington Square Park after San Antonio took on the Knicks and Nets in late December.
But the foray into Buddhist monkhood is certainly Wembanyama's most notable off-court endeavor yet.
Advertisement
Spurs center Victor Wembanyama in a game against the Knicks on Dec. 25, 2024.
Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Fans on social media had varying reactions to the news.
'This is the separation right here,' said one user on X. 'MVP otw.'
'We need to start calling him Zenbanyama,' wrote another.
Advertisement
Spurs center Victor Wembanyama chats with coach Gregg Popovich during a game on Dec. 13, 2023.
AP
Others were more skeptical about how useful the retreat would truly be, and a few couldn't help but make cracks about Aaron Rodgers, who took a four-day darkness retreat in 2023.
'Y'all hated when Aaron Rodgers did this,' said one user, with another posting: 'Is he turning into Aaron Rodgers?'
The Spurs have yet to make a playoff appearance since drafting Wembanyama, but the franchise appears to be trending toward contention after making a deal for star point guard De'Aaron Fox at the trade deadline.
When San Antonio does crack into the postseason, perhaps Wembanyama's newfound spiritual awakening will prove helpful.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Sacramento Kings ‘motivated' to find point guard solution, express interest in 4x All-Star
The Sacramento Kings have had some really good point guards in recent years. One they traded for Domantas Sabonis (Tyrese Haliburton. The other, De'Aaron Fox, was traded for Zach LaVine plus three first-round picks. Now, according to Grant Afseth of RG Media, the Kings are once again 'motivated' to find a new point guard solution. They've even reportedly expressed an interest in landing one of two All-Star guards, Darius Garland or even a big fish, like Trae Young. Advertisement Some might say the Kings should try finding their next point guard in the draft instead of chasing someone like Garland, who's 25 years old. Meanwhile, Young, while he has a tantalizing skillset, is already 26 years old. While Garland has been linked in trade rumors, there is no guarantee that the Hawks will make Young available this offseason. If they did, it would likely take a pretty large trade offer to pry the four-time All-Star away from Atlanta. The Kings don't have a first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, so it makes some sense that they'd target a proven solution at the point guard position in an attempt to win as many games as possible next season. Yet, is that the best path toward helping them win a championship? Related: Report: Utah Jazz may be listening to trade offers for their All-Star Related Headlines
Yahoo
16 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Report: Utah Jazz may be listening to trade offers for their All-Star
The Utah Jazz have been rebuilding since they were widely praised for trading Rudy Gobert, while later being criticized for trading Donovan Mitchell in 2022. The Minnesota Timberwolves have since made two Western Conference Finals appearances, which is farther than the Jazz ever got with the four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Yet, the Jazz haven't even been able to get back to the playoffs since conducting their two blockbuster trades. Now, they could be looking to trade their best player again. Advertisement According to The Ringer's Bill Simmons, there's a belief among NBA league circles that the Jazz are now open to listening to trade offers for Lauri Markkanen. The one-time All-Star has been a popular subject of trade rumors in the past. The legitimate seven-footer has established a reputation for being one of the sweetest shooting bigs in the NBA, holding a 37.1% three-point rate for his career while averaging 2.5 makes per game. Still just 28 years old, Markkanen should have a great amount of trade value around the NBA, especially among teams looking to add more size and shooting to their lineup. The Jazz may also have interest in trading former Timberwolves first-round pick Walker Kessler, who came to Utah as one of the centerpieces in the Gobert trade. Kessler is about to turn 24 years old, has averaged 2.4 blocks per game in his career but is now extension eligible for the first time in his career and the Jazz may not want to foot the bill. Advertisement Related: Kevin Durant trade expected soon, NBA Conference Finals contender likely to pursue him Related Headlines
Yahoo
16 minutes ago
- Yahoo
NBA insider drops convincing update on Giannis Antetokounmpo trade
One of the biggest questions circulating the upcoming NBA offseason is whether the Milwaukee Bucks will consider trading Giannis Antetokounmpo. While, typically the Bucks likely wouldn't have any interest in trading the face of their franchise, their chances to compete took a serious hit once All-Star point guard went down with a torn Achilles tendon during the playoffs. With Lillard likely set to miss all of next season, the Bucks may have to make other plans, whether it's toward contention or setting a new path that helps them bounce back in an even bigger way remains to be seen. Yet, their unique situation has led to a lot of Giannis trade rumors. Advertisement Could the Greek Freak even request a trade? That hasn't happened, yet. However, ESPN's NBA insider Brian Windhorst recently touched on an Antetokounmpo trade, essentially saying that the Bucks aren't having any discussions. In fact, Windhorst claims, 'there is no Antetokounmpo trade market' right now. 'Right now, there is no Giannis Antetokounmpo trade market, there is no Giannis Antetokounmpo trade discussions. He has not asked for it. The Bucks are not looking to trade him.' ESPN's Brian Windhorst on Giannis Antetokounmpo trade Of course, these plans could change quickly. All it takes is one team making an offer too good to refuse, and the Bucks' ears could suddenly perk up. Plus, there's always the outside possibility that Antetokounmpo himself tries to force Milwaukee's hand by requesting a trade. Would the Bucks do right by their franchise's most valuable player and honor his trade request? If not, things could get ugly. Advertisement But for now, Antetokounmpo appears set for another season in Milwaukee, where he's already won one ring. Now he has to figure out how he can win another. Related: Doubts emerge over Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo trade Related Headlines
