In a recent game against the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs’ rookie Victor Wembanyama surprised fans and players with an unbelievable recovery from what appeared to be a severe ankle injury. During the first half, the 19-year-old French sensation was seen running for a loose ball near the corner of the court.
In his efforts to stay in bounds, Wembanyama, a 7-foot-4 player, severely twisted his right ankle and fell onto the court. Usually, such incidents would result in a lengthy recovery or even assistance off the court.
Victor Wembanyama appeared to roll his ankle on this play… Until he popped right back up like nothing happened!
What are Wemby’s ankles made of? 🤯 pic.twitter.com/hDY0ct4Raz
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 12, 2023
However, Wembanyama surprised everyone by quickly getting back up and continuing the game as if nothing happened. This impressive recovery sparked a variety of reactions among NBA fans. Fans humorously linked his quick recovery to his lightweight frame.
One fan wrote, “Bro is so light it didn’t even roll.” Another added, “It hasn’t got any weight on it, that’s why, lol.” One fan joked, “‘Appeared’ ain’t the word. He popped that shit and rolled until it popped back into place.” Not to mention, this incident showed Wembanyama’s physical toughness.
Will Victor Wembanyama’s size be an advantage in terms of injuries?
Injuries are a common thing in basketball, especially for centers and forwards. The larger physical build of these players often puts more strain on their lower bodies, making them more prone to injuries. For example, the careers of former NBA big men like Greg Oden and Yao Ming were hindered by regular injuries.
However, Victor Wembanyama might be an exception. With a wingspan of 7’9″ and a height of 7’3″, Wembanyama’s unique physique has raised concerns about potential injury proneness.
Despite these concerns, his track record has been free of major injuries. This can be due to the intense schedule he followed while playing in France, involving strict dietary control, proper rest, and targeted pre-game exercises. These routines, focused on core alignment and foot strength, preparing his body for the demands of professional basketball.
Wembanyama’s training, especially the attention given to his core and landing techniques, has been crucial in reducing injury risks. This approach aligns with the Spurs’ own successful history of managing and extending Tim Duncan’s career despite his numerous knee injuries. The Spurs’ experience in player health management and Wembanyama’s disciplined training sessions suggest that his size may not be an issue in terms of injuries but more of an advantage in his NBA journey.