Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs center, reflects on his journey during a precarious moment in his life. Awaiting surgery for deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, the 21-year-old Frenchman recognized the need for change. This health scare impelled him to embark on a two-week training trip to China and visit the NASA Space Center, expanding his horizons beyond basketball.

“Life isn’t forever and there are some experiences we’re going to miss on, it is inevitable, but I’m going to miss on the least that I can.”
Translation: Life isn’t permanent, and there are experiences we will inevitably miss, but I strive to minimize those losses.

Wembanyama is now officially measured at 7-foot-4 and weighs 240 pounds, a noticeable increase since he was last listed at 7-foot-3. His recovery, coupled with the return of key players like De’Aaron Fox, Luke Kornet, and Dylan Harper, stokes optimism for the Spurs to break free from their six-year playoff hiatus.

“You see how hard he works and how motivated he is,” remarked teammate Jeremy Sochan. “He’s ready and everyone’s excited to see him on the court.”

The looming danger of his diagnosis inspired him to reengage with life, leading to transformative experiences and an unexpected mental growth. It allowed him to practice karate alongside monks and challenge his physical boundaries.

Wembanyama summarized his summer experience succinctly:

“This is my best summer so far. I feel better, I look stronger, and the scale says I’m heavier. So everything is a green light.”
Translation: This has been my most transformative summer to date. I feel fitter, I appear stronger, and the measurements back that up.