Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama made headlines this offseason with a bold move—shaving his head and spending 10 days at the iconic Shaolin Temple.
Since March, Wembanyama has been recovering from deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. Despite the injury, he has stayed active and in the public eye during his rehabilitation. His recent visit to the Shaolin Temple, known for its association with Shaolin Kung Fu, quickly captured online attention. During his time there, he shared a lighthearted moment with NFL legend Tom Brady.
While appearing on The Shop Live at Fanatics Fest, Wembanyama reflected on the experience. “Shaving my head was the first thing we did. It’s about Buddhism. I’m pretty sure I’m Buddhist now?” he joked. “They made me say something in Chinese. I’m not sure what it was.”
Brady, seated nearby, grinned and playfully asked, “You didn’t sign anything, did you?” The crowd immediately erupted in laughter, adding humor to the conversation.
NBA legends also took notice of Wembanyama’s transformation. On KG Certified, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett weighed in, acknowledging the significance of his journey.
“The league has to pay attention,” Pierce remarked.
“That’s a flag you gotta watch,” Garnett added.
Back in the U.S., Wembanyama is focused on his recovery and preparing for the 2025–26 NBA season. With his body healing and his mind refreshed, the Spurs appear ready for a breakout year. Most importantly, Wembanyama is primed to lead the team on both ends of the court.
Veteran point guard Chris Paul has spoken highly of Wembanyama, believing that the young star is not only the future of the Spurs but also a key figure in shaping the next generation of the league.
In addition, the Spurs caught attention last season after acquiring All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings. Fox debuted with a thrilling 126–125 win over the Atlanta Hawks, but a finger injury requiring surgery sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
As the new NBA season draws near, all eyes remain on Wembanyama. Refined by challenges, strengthened by discipline, and driven by purpose, he is no longer just a promising talent. He is becoming a force the entire league must reckon with.
Though his Shaolin Temple experience may have been brief, the transformation it ignited in Wembanyama could have a lasting impact on his career.
