Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, Rudy Gobert face off in different kind of battle

San Antonio Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama missed the second half of the 2024-25 season, including a chance to face Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, due to blood clots. This absence also took him out of contention for Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), which was ultimately won by Cleveland Cavs' Evan Mobley, ending Gobert's reign as the 2024 DPOY.

During the offseason, Wembanyama and Gobert, both French centers, engaged in an off-court battle: a game of chess overseas. While the winner of their chess match wasn't reported, it highlighted a unique encounter between two elite NBA defensive big men.

Wembanyama has received positive news regarding his health, recently revealing he has been officially cleared by the Spurs' medical staff to return for the start of the 2025-26 NBA season. He expressed relief and excitement about being able to play basketball again.

In his second NBA season, Wembanyama averaged impressive stats: 24.3 points (47.6% FG, 35.2% 3PT), 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, a league-leading 3.8 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game. The 21-year-old phenom, already Rookie of the Year (2024) and a dominant defender with versatile scoring ability, has the potential to become one of the most dynamic centers in NBA history.

Wembanyama expressed his ambition to spend his entire NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs, stating it is his dream to stay with the single franchise that drafted him.

The Spurs are looking to build around Wembanyama, having drafted Dylan Harper with the No. 2 overall pick and acquiring free agents Kelly Olynyk and Luke Kornet, aiming for significant growth in their young squad.