ESPN Interview with Wembanyama: Broke Down Crying for Five Minutes After Blood Clot Diagnosis, Career Only Successful with Championships Filled

On December 13th Beijing time, ESPN released an exclusive interview with Spurs star Wembanyama. In this interview, Wembanyama reflected on his feelings when diagnosed with a blood clot last season, and also discussed his career goals and self-assessment. Here is the full transcript—

Your opponent in the Christmas game is the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, currently leading the league. Do you think this game will help you and the team better understand your own level?

Wembanyama: Absolutely. Not only will it help us recognize ourselves more clearly, but more importantly, as you said, they are the number one team in the league. We can learn from this game what kind of effort it takes to reach their level. After all, that position is the goal we are eager to reach this season and the direction we aim for in the coming years.

The past nine to ten months of the offseason have been quite tough for you. Your previous basketball performance was phenomenal, but suddenly you were diagnosed with a blood clot. How did you feel the moment you received that news?

Wembanyama: I still vividly remember that moment. It’s almost been a year since I got the diagnosis. I spent about five minutes completely breaking down, crying uncontrollably, overwhelmed with sadness. At that time, I truly felt the fragility of life and health.

At that time, you were thinking about more than just basketball, but how this would affect your entire life, right?

Wembanyama: Exactly as you said, basketball was not even on my mind. It suddenly stopped being my top priority. In moments where immediate action is necessary, you have to make tough decisions, and naturally, you worry whether those choices are right or wrong.

During those five minutes of breakdown, did you ever fear that you might never play basketball again?

Wembanyama: Yes, I did. But that worry was actually unnecessary. I just needed some time to regain my form and recover gradually. That summer’s experience, I believe, will influence my entire career. It also made me deeply realize that life is short, and an athlete’s career is even shorter, possibly fleeting. So, there really is no time to waste.

While you were recovering and watching your teammates play, did you notice anything new?

Wembanyama: Definitely. I spotted some tactical patterns and playing habits in the team that I hadn’t noticed before. What made me happiest was that everyone stepped up to carry the team, and the team’s spirit was completely different from before. Everyone could feel that change. When the team steadily moves toward its goals, it’s easier to envision what achieving those goals will look like.

I feel like you’re more excited talking about these things now than you were a few years ago—maybe it’s just me. After all, you’ve always hated losing.

Wembanyama: I am indeed very excited, you’re not wrong. For me, nothing is more joyful than winning. Conversely, nothing hurts more than losing.

Looking ahead to the next five to ten years in your career, what would you consider success? What kind of career would count as a successful Wembanyama career?

Wembanyama: Oh, my career in the coming years has to be filled with championship trophies. We have to work hard to become one of the top three or four teams in the Western Conference. I don’t have any playoff experience yet, but I’m a natural competitor, and I know I can step up in tough games.

Who do you think is the best player in the league right now?

Wembanyama: I believe Jokic is currently the best offensive player in the league, but as for the best overall player, it’s hard to say. I think that title should be between Giannis and Alexander. But once I’m back on the court, I believe that person will be me.