NBA Legend Sends Heartfelt Message to Victor Wembanyama

The San Antonio Spurs have a long road ahead as they navigate life post-Victor Wembanyama

Dec 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) against the Phoenix Suns during an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

AUSTIN, Texas — Two games into life sans Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs are beginning to settle into their new normal.

Learning that the 21-year-old would miss the back half of his second NBA season wasn't easy news for any of his teammates, but as Chris Paul explained, they still have a job to do.

"That's a time for us to get everything off our mind, actually," he said.

In wake of Wembanyama's absence, several league stars began sending their condolences to the rising star as well as on-air personalities — Charles Barkley included.

"Number one, (I) just wish him good health," Barkley said. 'That's gotta be scary when you get that news ... I just wish him nothing but the best."

Before his injury, Wembanyama was averaging just over 24 points, 11 rebounds and a league-leading 3.8 blocks per game on 48 percent shooting from the field.

Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Target Center. | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

After a stellar rookie season, the Frenchman was on pace for the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year as well as a spot on one of the All-NBA squads. The Spurs were seemingly in the mix for a Play-In spot. Now, much of that is in the air.

But Wembanyama's health remains A1.

"This is just a bad thing for the Spurs," Barkley said. "For the NBA. When he played over in Paris, man, it was crazy those two games. Good luck to him and his family."

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