Is the DPOY award now uncertain? Wembanyama’s chances drop to second due to a calf injury requiring at least 2-3 weeks off

On November 19 Beijing time, league insiders informed The Athletic that Spurs’ star Wembanyama has a left calf strain and will undergo a follow-up check in 2-3 weeks. The Spurs confirmed the injury yesterday but did not provide a clear schedule for his comeback.

The team revealed that Wembanyama got injured in the 107-109 defeat against the Warriors. He finished that game despite the discomfort but missed the subsequent Spurs game against the Kings due to tightness in his left calf.

League sources stated that after the Warriors game, he reported calf tightness to the medical staff. MRI scans confirmed a calf strain requiring several weeks of rest and recovery. The Spurs are cautious with the recovery timetable, especially with calf injuries, as improper treatment can often lead to Achilles tendon damage.

This 21-year-old former top pick is averaging 26.2 points this season while leading the entire league with 10.9 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game. Last season, he missed the final 30 games due to a blood clot in his shoulder, which also cost him the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award. Now, early in this season, he faces another injury setback. Will he again miss out on DPOY due to insufficient games played? Currently, his chances (20%) have fallen to second place, behind the Thunder’s Holmgren (40%) and ahead of Mobley (15%) in third.

Despite All-Star point guard Fox missing the first eight games, the Spurs have started the season strong with a 9-4 record. Besides Wembanyama, 2025 second overall pick Harper is also sidelined with a calf injury. League sources revealed Harper was hurt landing during the November 3 game against the Phoenix Suns and is expected to return shortly after Thanksgiving. He has already removed his protective boot and is progressing well in recovery.

Defending Rookie of the Year Castelle has been ruled out of today’s game against the Grizzlies due to left hip flexor soreness. Castelle missed the second half of the win over the Kings. Backup point guard McLaughlin is also out with tightness in his left hamstring, leaving the Spurs’ backcourt depth thin.

This is not the first time the Spurs’ center has appeared fine during a game but then missed time due to injury. Cornette suffered an ankle sprain and shoulder injury after the second game against the New Orleans Pelicans and subsequently missed seven games. The Spurs also started the season without Fox, who made his season debut on November 8, averaging 22 points and 6.8 assists since.

Forward Sohan, backup big man Olynyk, and shooter Waters III have also been sidelined early in the season due to injuries.

Although Wembanyama is the Spurs’ focal point on both ends, the team still defeated the Kings in his absence. Last season, the Spurs went 13-23 without him, but they have since bolstered their frontcourt depth, with Cornette proving capable as a starter during Wembanyama’s absences.

The Spurs face a tough upcoming schedule, with seven of their next eight games on the road. They will begin their road trip next week against the Phoenix Suns, who handed them their first loss of the season. After that, they will face playoff-aspiring teams like the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic, and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Led by Wembanyama, the Spurs have had a strong start this season. According to basketball analytics sites, their defensive efficiency is just 112 points allowed per 100 possessions, ranking sixth in the league. The team’s depth is one of its greatest strengths; even though more than half the players have dealt with injuries, they have maintained steady performance levels.