Gregg Popovich and Victor Wembanyama: NBA Insider gives major updates on Spurs coach and superstar

ESPN's Shams Charania revealed the timeline for the health recovery process of Victor Wembanyama and Spurs HC Gregg Popovich.

Gregg Popovich and Victor Wembanyama: NBA Insider gives major updates on Spurs coach and superstar

Gregg Popovich and Victor Wembanyama have been in close contact after health setbacks

The San Antonio Spurs can’t seem to avoid getting bad news. After legendary Spurs HC Gregg Popovich was sidelined indefinitely earlier this year, the next pawn to fall has been the shocking injury announcement of Victor Wembanyama this week. Wembanyama was diagnosed with Deep Vein Thrombosis, which is a form of a blood clot, in his right shoulder.

What was shaping up to be a developmental season for Victor Wembanyama and the rebuilding Spurs has quickly turned into a question mark for their future. While the news surrounding both figures is concerning, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Popovich and Wembanyama have maintained constant communication, with the veteran coach playing a key role in supporting the young star through his recovery.

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Wembanyama and coach Gregg Popovich have been in very active communication in the wake of this diagnosis, they’ve been speaking frequently. From my understanding, Gregg Popovich has been very hands-on with Victor Wembanyama in the wake of what’s happened this week.

Shams Charania said on ESPN

Despite being physically absent, Popovich has remained involved, ensuring that Wembanyama remains in the right mindset. Coach Pop has always been a key figure in ensuring that his players are mentally in the right state of mind. This is what has allowed him to be one of the most legendary coaches in basketball history, while coaching some of the greatest players ever.

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Before his diagnosis, Victor Wembanyama had been making history in just his second NBA season. He became the fourth-youngest player ever to score 50 points in a game and was named an All-Star for the first time. Averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and 3.8 blocks per game, Wemby was the favourite to win the DPOY and earn a place in an All-NBA team.

Victor Wembanyama set to make full recovery for next season

Despite the unfortunate timing of his health setback, the Spurs have received encouraging news about Victor Wembanyama’s long-term prognosis. According to Charania, the team’s medical staff believes that the 21-year-old will be fully healthy by next season and that there are no lingering concerns about his ability to return to peak form.

The best news in what’s been a setback of a week for the Spurs is they don’t expect any long-term issues here. They believe that the clot in his right shoulder is isolated, and they believe he will play next season.

Shams Charania added on ESPN

San Antonio’s acting head coach, Mitch Johnson, revealed that the diagnosis for Wembanyma came after he reported discomfort in his arm following the All-Star Game. Subsequent tests confirmed deep vein thrombosis, a condition that required immediate medical attention and would sideline him indefinitely.

The Spurs are proceeding cautiously with his recovery, and while Victor Wembanyama is set to miss the rest of the regular season, he is not set to suffer any long-term concerns in his injury recovery. They are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, meaning there is no need to rush Wembanyama back before he is completely ready.

With Gregg Popovich’s future uncertain, though he isn’t expected to retire, ensuring that they are stable with Wembanyama’s health and recovery process is a key part of their future.