Victor Wembanyama has officially silenced the skeptics.
Just two years after questions swirled around whether his slender frame could withstand the physical demands of the NBA, the San Antonio Spurs star has emerged looking like a completely different player, and even legends like Dirk Nowitzki are taking notice.
The 21-year-old phenom, who reportedly added around 30 pounds of muscle over the past year, has opened the 2025 season in commanding fashion. His explosive performances have left fans and former players stunned, particularly after a 40-point display against the Dallas Mavericks that left Nowitzki shaking his head in disbelief.
“He’s been out with that clot, obviously late in the season. It’s almost like he’s foaming at the mouth. He’s playing with joy. He got a little stronger,” Nowitzki said after watching Wembanyama dominate his former team.
“I feel like he’s attacking. He wants to dunk everything around the rim now. And obviously, it’s gotten better with the handle. He’s playing better off the dribble.”
The former MVP went even further, comparing Wembanyama’s new level of athleticism to something out of a video game: “When he blocked Lively, stuffed and dribbled it up between the legs, behind him, stepped back and won 3. I mean, that’s just… that’s video game stuff.”
It’s high praise from one of the greatest forwards of all time, and a clear sign that Wembanyama‘s physical transformation is already reshaping how opponents view him.
When Wembanyama entered the league in 2023, his 7-foot-4 frame came with a major question mark: could he survive the grind of an NBA season? His rookie campaign was promising but interrupted by a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. That setback, however, seems to have only fueled his determination.
“I feel better, I look stronger, and the scale says I’m heavier,” Wembanyama told ESPN before the season. His approach to training has shifted dramatically, not just adding muscle for the sake of it, but focusing on flexibility and mobility to enhance his all-around game.
Now, according to team insiders, the Spurs star weighs in the 265 to 270-pound range, up roughly 30 pounds from his rookie season. And the results are visible: he’s bullying defenders in the post, attacking the rim with aggression, and showing the kind of durability that once seemed unlikely.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst dubbed it “bully ball,” while a Western Conference scout described him as “noticeably bigger and stronger.” Wembanyama’s improvement in physicality has come without sacrificing the fluidity that made him special in the first place, a rare balance for a player his size.
After his 40-point game against Dallas, he followed up with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 blocks against the New Orleans Pelicans, setting the tone for what could be a breakout year for both him and the Spurs.
Carmelo Anthony’s bold prediction for Wembanyama
Wembanyama‘s newfound dominance has also drawn the attention of another NBA great: Carmelo Anthony. The 10-time All-Star didn’t mince words when asked about the Frenchman’s potential this season.
“I predict he’s the MVP this year,” Anthony said. “I say that because every category that there is, he can lead this season. We’ve never seen (a player like) Wemby. That’s MVP.”
Anthony highlighted the unique offseason regimen that helped Wembanyama evolve, including a stint training with monks at the Shaolin Temple in China, where he reportedly focused on mental toughness and body control through kung fu-inspired drills.
That balance of strength, skill, and mindset has translated into a player who looks unstoppable on both ends of the floor. In his first two years, Wembanyama leaned heavily on his outside shooting, attempting nearly seven threes per game.
This year, he’s flipped the script, taking fewer long-range shots and dominating closer to the rim.
While the Spurs remain a young, rebuilding team, their future is suddenly looking a lot brighter. Wembanyama‘s transformation isn’t just about adding muscle; it’s about redefining what’s possible for a player of his size and skill level.
As Nowitzki put it, the league might have seen this coming, but no one expected it to happen this fast. And if the first two games are any indication, “video game stuff” might just become the new normal for Victor Wembanyama.
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