As NBA teams gather for training camps, injury updates are dominating the conversation. From Victor Wembanyama’s return to encouraging signs from Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum, to longer recovery timelines for Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard, the health of star players is shaping the narrative before the new season tips off.
Wembanyama Ready After Health Scare
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has been cleared for full participation after a frightening battle with deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder. The 20-year-old admitted the ordeal was “traumatic,” but says it gave him valuable perspective.
“It makes you understand lessons that nothing else could have made you understand,” Wembanyama reflected. He is expected to be ready on opening night, a major boost for San Antonio.
Irving and Tatum on the Comeback Trail
Kyrie Irving’s torn ACL ended his 2024–25 campaign prematurely, while Boston’s Jayson Tatum has been sidelined since tearing his Achilles in last season’s playoffs. Both stars are taking cautious steps forward.
Irving said players draw strength from one another during long rehabs: “We’re always picking each other up, showing our progress, and proving we can heal like Wolverine.”
Tatum, meanwhile, is already back on the floor for light workouts, leaving the door open for a return later this season.
Haliburton and Lillard Looking Ahead to 2026
Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, who went down in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, has embraced a new role as a “coach on the sidelines” while recovering. “Not playing gives you a different perspective,” he said.
Damian Lillard, back with Portland after an Achilles tear during Milwaukee’s playoff run, was more definitive: “I don’t plan on it. I just want to be 100% confident before I step on the court again.”
Other Notable Recoveries Across the League
The list of banged-up players extends well beyond the headliners:
- Tyler Herro (Miami): Out at least a month after ankle and foot surgery.
- Bogdan Bogdanovic (Clippers): Recovering from a hamstring tear.
- Bradley Beal (Clippers): Coming off right knee surgery.
- Jalen Williams (Thunder): Easing back after wrist surgery.
Despite setbacks, optimism prevails as camps open. Wembanyama captured that sentiment, declaring his summer training “world-class” and saying he’s entering the season in the best shape of his career.