5 NBA Superstars Ready to Return from Injury and Take Over Next Season: Victor Wembanyama, Stephen Curry and more
Joel Embiid and Stephen Curry. Image via: Getty Images
With the 2025-26 NBA season on the horizon, a thrilling storm brews on the hardwood. Five superstars sidelined by injury are preparing for their return. Will they retake their crowns or fail in a repeat of glory? The clock ticked as
Victor Wembanyama
, Steph Curry,
Paul George
,
Joel Embiid
, and
Kyrie Irving
launched comeback tales fans won't soon forget.
5 NBA standout stars set to return in the next season
1. Victor Wembanyama
San Antonio Spurs young sensation Victor Wembanyama was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder in February 2025, prompting the team to shut him down for the rest of the season. Despite this loss, Wembanyama had successful surgery and is on the road to recovery. He has been spotted attending WNBA games, signalling his good progress and readiness to hit the courts for the next season.
2. Stephen Curry
Golden State Warriors' veteran point guard Stephen Curry got a Grade 1 hamstring strain in the left leg in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves in May 2025. He was out for the rest of the playoffs. Curry said, in frustration, "Even if I wanted to be Superman, I couldn't." The Warriors are hopeful about his full return and rejoining the team for the upcoming season.
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3. Paul George
Philadelphia 76ers' small forward Paul George had a tough 2024-25, suffering from a bone bruise initially and subsequently adductor and knee issues. These rendered him available for only 41 games before he was sidelined for the remainder of the season in March 2025. George is working on rehab and is likely to make a full comeback next season.
4. Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers' franchise center and star player Joel Embiid battled through a nagging left knee injury throughout the 2024–25 season, missing 37 of the team's initial 56 games.
The team in February 2025 said Embiid would miss the rest of the season to concentrate on recovery. His recovery continues, with the hope being that he will play a full season next year.
5. Kyrie Irving
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving tore his ACL in his left knee on March 3, 2025, when he played against the Sacramento Kings. He had successful surgery on March 26, 2025, and is on a timeline that could get him back by January of 2026. The perseverance and progress of Irving are positive developments for Mavericks supporters.
Also Read:
Caitlin Clark revealed her NBA GOAT after receiving compliments from LeBron James
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