The San Antonio Spurs are off to a hot start. They are 9-4 on the year, and seem to be one of the better Western Conference teams. However, a big part of their squad is Victor Wembanyama. After a great first two years in the NBA, Wembanyama has only gotten better this season.
Wemby is averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 3.6 blocks per game through his 12 games played. But the French superstar missed Sunday’s game against the Sacramento Kings with tightness in his calf. San Antonio kept Wembanyama out of the game to be extra cautious, and they were right to do so.
ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported that Wembanyama will miss at least a few weeks with a calf strain.
There is not a specific date that the big man will return, but the Spurs will be without their best player for the next several games.
Calf Strains Can Escalate Quickly
GettyVictor Wembanyama will miss at least a few weeks with a calf injury.
Calf strains are always a tricky injury. That part of the leg also contains the Achilles tendon, which is something more and more NBA players are becoming aware of. Most recently, Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles tendon in the NBA Finals. Other stars such as Dejounte Murray, Damian Lillard, and Jayson Tatum tore their Achilles tendons last year, as well. In total, the league had seven players tear their Achilles tendons that they know of.
These injuries could start in the calf. Having to put more stress on an area that is already hurting is never a good thing. Additionally, these types of injuries are not something to take lightly, and the Spurs know that. In fact, San Antonio lost Dylan Harper to a calf strain on November 2nd. He is still out, but should return to the court soon.
Although there is no timeline for Wembanyama’s return, it would be reasonable for him to miss as much time as Harper. With the 7-foot-4 sensation being a key part of the team, do not expect San Antonio to rush him back.
Who Replaces Wembanyama?
GettyLuke Kornet should see an increase in minutes with Wembanyama out.
In the win on Sunday, San Antonio slotted Luke Kornet into the lineup to replace Wemby. He posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds in 28 minutes played. Kornet’s 28 minutes were the second-most he has played all year, but the big man has been solid when he plays. This year, the 30-year-old is averaging 10.2 points per game on over 80% shooting. He is also grabbing 6.5 rebounds per game.
Kelly Olynyk should also see an increase in playing time. Sunday’s win was the first game Olynyk played more than nine minutes this season. He scored five points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out eight assists in the game.
It is not going to be easy to replace Wemby’s production. Getting Harper back on the court will be the first step towards that happening. However, Kornet and Olynyk are the two players who should fill into Wembanyama’s spot on the court.
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