NBA Star Victor Wembanyama Opens Up About Nagging Injury

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama spoke to the media about his back.

Nov 6, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Victor Wembanyama is the most intriguing young star in the NBA.

At just 20, many believe he has the potential to have a first-ballot Hall of Fame type of career.

While Wembanyama has been available for most of the season, he has been dealing with a back issue.

In a recent media session, the 2024 Rookie of The Year opened up about his injury.

Reporter: "How has your back been affecting your play, or maybe even your ability to practice?"

Wembanyama (h/t @SpursReporter): "Not in a good way... It's something different than I've experienced before in my career. It's not like a big deal, but sometimes it stops me from doing certain things."

Victor Wembanyama admits lower back pain has impacted his play and practice “not in a good way,” but when asked if it’s improving, he gave me a very confident sounding “yes.” #PorVida #NBA pic.twitter.com/ygAYjw9YpA

— SpursRΞPORT (@SpursReporter) December 12, 2024

Even with the injury, Wembanyama is averaging 23.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 3.4 blocks per contest while shooting 48.0% from the field and 34.1% from the three-point range in 19 games.

Via StatMuse: "Players to average 20+ PPG, 10+ RPG, 1+ SPG, 3+ BPG in their second season:

— David Robinson
— Hakeem Olajuwon

And now, Victor Wembanyama."

Players to average 20+ PPG, 10+ RPG, 1+ SPG, 3+ BPG in their second season:

— David Robinson
— Hakeem Olajuwon

And now, Victor Wembanyama. pic.twitter.com/MiW3oVxiIm

— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 12, 2024

In their most recent game, the Spurs beat the New Orleans Pelicans by a score of 121-116.

Wembanyama led the way with 25 points, ten rebounds, one assist and three blocks while shooting 9/16 from the field and 3/7 from the three-point range in only 26 minutes of playing time.

Most blocks in first 90 career games (and total minutes played):

414 — Manute Bol (2,250)
348 — David Robinson (3,293)
324 — Shaquille O’Neal (3,393)
318 — Victor Wembanyama (2,713) pic.twitter.com/DCm0H1wr1X

— Extra Muse (@extra_muse) December 12, 2024

The Spurs are 12-12 in 24 games, which has them as the 11th seed in the Western Conference.

They last made the NBA playoffs in 2019.