Victor Wembanyama has ignited his third season in the NBA with impressive performances, but his momentum has been interrupted by a calf strain. Such injuries are particularly concerning for basketball players, especially given the league’s recent history; following the devastation of last season’s playoffs, where several stars suffered Achilles injuries, teams are now more cautious than ever with calf issues. As the tallest player in the league, Wembanyama’s injury risk is notably heightened, given that many previous players of his stature have faced significant health challenges.
Despite Wembanyama’s absence, the San Antonio Spurs have managed to excel, boasting an 8-3 record without him. This success has allowed the team to take a measured approach to his recovery, prioritizing his long-term health over immediate returns. Before his injury, Wembanyama had been performing at a First-Team All-NBA level, averaging 26.2 points and 12.9 rebounds per game, and was entering discussions for the MVP award.
To qualify for end-of-season awards, such as MVP or All-NBA honors, a player needs to participate in at least 65 games during the regular season. With Wembanyama set to miss his 12th game in the Quarterfinals of the In-Season Tournament against the Lakers, the prospect of meeting this requirement is dwindling. If he returns immediately after this game, he can afford to miss only five more matches, which makes the quest for awards a tricky situation.
However, for Wembanyama and the Spurs, the focus remains on overall health and winning, while accolades tend to follow. Award recognitions do carry implications for player salaries, as the collective bargaining agreement ties maximum salaries to such achievements. Particularly for Wembanyama, the potential difference in a contract extension could be significant based on his ability to obtain select awards.
Fortunately, the current injury may afford Wembanyama valuable time to heal. He is extension eligible at the end of this season, but his path to the highest level of contract extension will require him to secure either MVP or Defensive Player of the Year honors in the upcoming seasons, or to receive All-NBA accolades during this or the following season. Therefore, while the injury is certainly a setback, it presents an opportunity for Wembanyama to prioritize his long-term health and preparation for a successful future in the NBA. Regardless of the outcome this season, it’s likely he will delay any extension until the end of his rookie contract in 2027, allowing him to fully commit to his stellar potential.