Victor Wembanyama Bulks Up: From Slim Rookie to Powerhouse Contender
As Victor Wembanyama prepares to enter his second NBA season, excitement surrounding the San Antonio Spurs’ star remains at an all-time high. Coming off a rookie year that saw him unanimously crowned Rookie of the Year and in close contention for Defensive Player of the Year, Wembanyama has already exceeded many expectations on the court.
Rookie Season at 210lbs
One of the few concerns initially surrounding the 7’4″ center was his weight. Entering the league at just 210 pounds, questions loomed about how he would handle the physicality of the NBA, especially against some of the league’s most imposing players. However, after playing in 71 NBA games and representing France in the Olympics, Wembanyama’s durability quickly dispelled many of those doubts.
Bulked UP, Simply Gaining Mass
At the Spurs’ recent media day, the team released their official roster, revealing that Wembanyama has bulked up significantly—now tipping the scales at 235 pounds. Despite the 25-pound increase, it’s clear that this transformation is more about strength and conditioning than simply gaining mass. Wembanyama himself emphasized that his focus during the offseason was on improving his strength and mobility, rather than simply adding weight.
“It’s a natural process because it’s important to work in a way that’s good for your body and respects the body’s identity,” Wembanyama explained. “We really put an emphasis on gaining strength and core strength, not gaining weight necessarily, but weight will come with strength. It’s just a result of the good work we’ve done all summer. I’m really satisfied with the summer we just had here.”
Victor Wembanyama
Regular Yoga Practice
Known for his remarkable flexibility—thanks in part to his regular yoga practice—Wembanyama is keenly aware of the risks that come with his towering frame. Historically, players of his size have struggled with injuries, but his playing style, which prioritizes agility and finesse, has so far proven durable. His rookie season showed a player with the potential to not only dominate but also stay healthy over the long haul.
Now entering his fifth season as a professional (with three seasons in France under his belt), Wembanyama understands the importance of offseason work in building a lasting career.
“I’ve felt my body strength increase every year,” he said. “I want to keep going in that direction because it’s the primary thing that allows me to expand my game.”
A More Dominant Force
In his rookie year, Wembanyama often relied on jump shots rather than powering through defenders to the basket. With his newly added muscle, he now draws comparisons to Giannis Antetokounmpo, a player known for both his strength and versatility. It’s clear that the Spurs’ phenom is evolving, and as his body continues to mature, so too will his game. Fans and opponents alike can expect to see a more dominant force on the court this season.
