Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs teammate misses training camp after surgery

Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs will start training camp without a key teammate after he underwent surgery. The unnamed player’s absence adds pressure on the Spurs’ frontcourt depth as the French big man eyes his second NBA season.

What happened?

A new San Antonio Spurs teammate of Victor Wembanyama will miss training camp after surgery, the team confirmed on 17 July 2026. The player’s identity and the exact procedure were not disclosed, but the club stated he is expected to miss “several weeks” while recovering. The Spurs did not specify whether the surgery was related to an injury sustained during the 2025-26 season or a pre-existing issue.

Training camp begins on 28 September 2026. The Spurs, fresh off a 33-49 record in 2025-26, are banking on internal development-especially from Wembanyama-to climb back toward playoff contention. The missing teammate’s absence could force coach Gregg Popovich to lean harder on Wembanyama early in camp, a role the 22-year-old French center has already embraced.

Why it matters for Victor Wembanyama

Wembanyama averaged 21.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks in 2025-26, but the Spurs finished 14th in the Western Conference. Depth around the rim matters now more than ever. With a second-year player poised to take another leap, the Spurs can’t afford to start the season shorthanded in the frontcourt. Popovich has already hinted at a “youth-first” approach, and Wembanyama’s development hinges on consistent minutes beside reliable partners.

The missing teammate’s role isn’t clear yet-could he be a backup big, a rim-running scorer, or a defensive anchor? Whatever the case, his absence forces the Spurs to test other options early. That includes second-year forward Jeremy Sochan and veteran center Zach Collins, both of whom will need to step up if the team hopes to avoid another slow start.

What comes next?

The Spurs will open training camp on 28 September 2026 without the injured teammate. Popovich typically uses camp to audition lineups and set rotations, so this setback could accelerate decisions. Wembanyama, meanwhile, is expected to report at full strength after a summer of conditioning and skill work in France.

The team has not named a replacement or provided a timeline for the injured player’s return. For now, the focus shifts to who fills the void. The Spurs could look to waiver wire pickups or recall players from the G League to bolster depth before the season opener on 21 October 2026.

How Wembanyama can benefit

This disruption could push Wembanyama into a bigger leadership role sooner than planned. The French center already led the Spurs in blocks and rebounds last season. If the missing teammate’s absence lingers, Wembanyama may see more minutes as a primary rim protector and facilitator.

But the Spurs can’t rely solely on Wembanyama. They need reliable wings and guards to space the floor. The team added shooting guard Malaki Branham in the 2026 draft, but rookies often need time to adjust. The Spurs’ front office insists they’re “building around the core,” but injuries complicate even the best-laid plans.