2 days ago
NBA star looks unrecognizable with new look as he enters Chinese monastery after injury scare
NBA star Victor Wembanyama is currently in the middle of a retreat at a Chinese monastery where he looks unrecognizable with a shaved head.
The 7-foot-3 Frenchman is in the middle of the 10-day exercise trying to stay as isolated as possible.
Wembanyama can be seen praying in grey robes as well as running alongside a forest.
The San Antonio Spurs sensation appeared in China in one of his first public appearances since his injury scare.
Wembanyama was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in right shoulder in February, ending his season, with the Spurs believing it to be an 'isolated condition.'
A vein thrombosis occurs when blood begins to clot in deeper veins in the body. The issue can become seriously dangerous because those clogs could loosen and end up in the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.
Wemby is in China beginning his 'journey of inner discipline, focus, and mind-body harmony' at the Shaolin Temple
According to a Buddhist monk, Wemby is on a ''Summer Retreat'' tradition that is tied back to ancient Buddhist practices
(via @SpursGDP, @SpursReporter)
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 11, 2025
NBA star Victor Wembanyama is currently in the middle of a retreat at a Chinese monastery
It is almost always treated with blood-thinning medication, which typically precludes a player from participating in a contact sport such as basketball. Athletes who are involved with contact sports are typically advised to avoid using such medication because of the heightened chance of bleeding.
Wembanyama's injury came just days after first All-Star Game appearance. The 21-year-old Frenchman was the NBA's Rookie of the Year in 2023-24, as well as an All-Defensive First Team selection after leading the league in blocked shots.
He was averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks and 3.7 assists; the only other player to finish a season averaging all that was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1975-76.
The Spurs are positioned to make a jump with Wembanyama in his third year in the NBA, as he might not be the only superstar on his team come October.
San Antonio is believed to be a major play in the sweepstakes for both Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
