Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama Out for Regular-Season Finale vs. Pistons with Ankle Injury

Adam WellsApril 13, 2024

Photos by Tim Heitman/NBAE via Getty Images

Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama is set to miss San Antonio’s regular-season finale against the Detroit Pistons with a right ankle injury, according to the team’s injury report.

The injury marks an end to Wembanyama’s phenomenal rookie season.

KSAT Nick Mantas @KSATNickVictor Wembanyama is listed as OUT for the #Spurs final game of the season against the Detroit Pistons tomorrow due to a stress reaction in his right foot. Wemby finishes his rookie season averaging 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists. #PorVida #GoSpursGo #KSATsports ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/W8aqFzL54C

The Spurs had been careful to not overwork Wembanyama in his debut campaign. The coaching staff generally held him to around 30 minutes per game, though there had been some flexibility depending on the situation.

Wembanyama managed to live up to, if not exceed, all of the hype around him when he was selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA draft and he’s arguably the top contender for the Rookie of the Year award.

The 20-year-old’s rookie campaign comes to an end with averages of 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists and a league-leading 3.6 blocks per game in 71 starts.

This season ended up being a disappointment for the Spurs, who will finish with one of the worst records in the Western Conference, but their long-term outlook is extremely bright because of how well, and how quickly, Wembanyama has adjusted to the NBA.