Victor Wembanyama made an enormous impact during his rookie season in the NBA, living up to the substantial hype surrounding him. However, the 7’3” sensation appears to have used the offseason to address one of the few concerns about his game: his weight. Reports suggest that Wembanyama has bulked up significantly, which could spell trouble for the rest of the league as he continues to evolve into a more complete and dominant player.
Wembanyama’s “generational talent” label was well-earned before he even set foot in the NBA. The French phenom dazzled scouts and fans alike with his jaw-dropping skill set, routinely pulling off plays that seemed impossible for someone of his size. His combination of agility, ball-handling, shooting, and shot-blocking made him a standout long before the San Antonio Spurs selected him as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
From the moment Wembanyama stepped on the court, it became clear that the Spurs had made the right choice. In his rookie season, Wembanyama averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and an impressive 3.6 blocks per game. His ability to dominate both ends of the court earned him Rookie of the Year honors and cemented his status as the NBA’s next big star.
Despite his stellar first-year performance, there were still areas where Wembanyama could improve, and one of the primary concerns was his weight. While “undersized” is not a word typically associated with a 7’3” player, Wembanyama’s official weight during his rookie season was listed at just 210 pounds.
In a league filled with powerful, heavier players who use their size to gain a physical edge, Wembanyama’s slight frame raised questions about his ability to hold his own against more robust competition, especially in the paint.
However, it appears that Wembanyama took this feedback seriously during the offseason. As the San Antonio Spurs released their training camp roster for the 2024-25 season, fans quickly noticed a change: Wembanyama is now listed at 235 pounds—a substantial 25-pound increase from his weight the previous season.
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There is some debate about the accuracy of these numbers, as there has been a discrepancy between how the NBA and the Spurs list Wembanyama’s weight. The NBA officially listed him at 210 pounds during his rookie year, but the Spurs had him closer to 230 pounds in their own records.
It’s possible that the NBA’s number was a pre-draft artifact that didn’t reflect Wembanyama’s true weight during his rookie campaign. Regardless, what is clear is that Wembanyama has actively worked on building up his frame.
In an interview with a French outlet during the Olympics, Wembanyama revealed that he had added around 10 pounds to his body, confirming his focus on increasing his physical strength. While the change may not be immediately visible in training camp photos, it’s evident that the young star is dedicating time to this aspect of his game.
Wembanyama’s decision to bulk up is a smart move as he continues to develop his already impressive skill set. In a league where strength and durability are as crucial as finesse and talent, the added weight could make him even more dangerous.
With his increased size, Wembanyama should be better equipped to handle the physicality of the NBA, especially when matched up against heavier opponents in the paint. The extra muscle will likely help him stay healthier and more resilient over the course of the grueling 82-game season.
While Wembanyama’s rookie season was nothing short of extraordinary, his physical transformation heading into his second year could elevate him to new heights. His ability to combine size, agility, and skill is already unprecedented, and with added strength, he may be able to impose his will on the game even more effectively.
As the Spurs prepare for the 2024-25 season, all eyes will be on Wembanyama to see how this offseason transformation plays out on the court.
If his body continues to develop in line with his natural talent, the rest of the NBA may have an even tougher time dealing with the towering French star. The sky’s the limit for Wembanyama, and his offseason work suggests that he’s ready to take another leap in his already promising career.
