Wembanyama’s injury woes put his MVP hopes at risk

Seeing Victor Wembanyama in street clothes is becoming an all-too-familiar sight for Spurs fans. The 7-foot-4 phenom strained his right calf on November 17 and has missed the last 10 games. He’s appeared in just 12 of San Antonio’s 22 games this season—dangerously close to the 50% mark. With 60 games left in the regular season, Wembanyama must play at least 65 to remain eligible for end-of-season awards, a critical benchmark in a league obsessed with legacy and eager for its new unicorn to define an era. That’s exactly what the French star wants too—but reality is getting in the way.

The 65-game rule

Under the NBA’s latest collective bargaining agreement, players who don’t reach 65 games are ineligible for major awards. Wembanyama played 71 games as a rookie under Gregg Popovich, winning Rookie of the Year, finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, and earning All-Defensive First Team honors. But last February 20, he was shut down with a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, ending his season at 46 games despite stellar averages of 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. The numbers were elite, but the awards were off the table—a reminder of how crucial availability is in shaping NBA narratives.

The clock is ticking

To hit the 65-game threshold this season, Wembanyama must suit up for at least 53 of San Antonio’s remaining 60 games. Reports suggest he could return before the NBA’s lucrative Christmas Day showcase against the Thunder. If his comeback comes that day, he’ll miss seven more games, leaving him with little margin for error. And barring a miracle, he’s already ruled out for the NBA Cup quarterfinals, where the Spurs face the Lakers on Thursday, December 11. It’s a tough blow, even as San Antonio has held its own without its franchise cornerstone.

Monster numbers, but a fragile path

In the 12 games he’s played this season, Wembanyama has been nothing short of dominant, clocking an average of 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.1 steals and 3.6 blocks per game.

He’s recorded nine double-doubles and one triple-double, shooting over 50% from the field, 34% from three (his Achilles’ heel, slowly improving), and nearly 86% from the free-throw line—a career high.

Approaching his 22nd birthday on January 4, Wembanyama already boasts an Olympic silver medal from the 2024 Paris Games and a growing list of individual accolades. His stats scream MVP contention, especially with the Spurs finally fielding a balanced roster. But none of it matters if he doesn’t reach 65 games.

The question now: is this just a temporary setback, or the start of a troubling pattern in Wembanyama’s career? For now, Spurs fans—and the NBA at large—are holding their breath.

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