Spurs star has an action-packed offseason worthy of a movie montage

The San Antonio Spurs center was enjoying a breakout season in 2024-25, making his first All-Star team and leading the NBA with 176 blocks in just 46 games. But a scary issue with blood clots in his shoulder caused his team to shut him down for the season.

Wembanyama traveled the world to prepare

In an off-season worthy of an action movie montage, Wembanyama trained his body, mind and on-court game. In "Rocky IV," Rocky Balboa prepares for his return to the boxing ring by running through deep snow, chopping wood and doing manual labor at a remote cabin.

Wembanyama found his own unconventional training method, traveling to China for 10 days of martial arts training at a Shaolin temple. The 7-foot-3 center shaved his head and jogged along the Great Wall of China. He followed that up with a trip to Japan, where his multidisciplinary training involved playing soccer — and nailing an impressive free kick.

Wembanyama went to veteran mentors

Another hallmark of the action movie montage is when the hero gets mentored by an older mentor who shows him a new approach. Think of Luke Skywalker visiting Yoda in the swamps of Dagobah and learning to trust his feelings. Wembanyama had two mentors this summer, both Hall of Fame big men.

First, Wembanyama trained with Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett, one of the NBA's greatest defenders and one if its most intense players. If Wembanyama takes his lessons to heart, he should be even better on defense — and as a trash talker.

Then, Wembanyama worked with Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon, a center known for his dazzling array of moves in the post, including his signature "Dream Shake." He's also such a good defender that the NBA named the Defensive Player of the Year trophy after him. It's as if Skywalker got trained by both Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi in a single movie!

If movies have taught us anything, it's that Wembanyama will come back from his eclectic summer stronger, more focused and ready to save the world. Or failing that, save the Spurs from their six-year playoff drought.