Get ready to learn Chinese, buddy.
Well, apparently, Wemby did.
While the NBA Finals roar on, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has found himself far from the spotlight — and even farther from the hardwood.
The reigning Rookie of the Year went on a 10-day retreat at the famed Shaolin Temple in central China, a place known more for kung fu and Zen Buddhism.
Even photos have since circulated of Wembanyama with a shaved head and wearing a gray monk’s robe, seated before Buddha statues.
Wemby is in China beginning his “journey of inner discipline, focus, and mind-body harmony” at the Shaolin Temple
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 11, 2025
According to a Buddhist monk, Wemby is on a “‘Summer Retreat’” tradition that is tied back to ancient Buddhist practices
(via @SpursGDP, @SpursReporter)
The Spurs confirmed the 7-foot-4 Frenchman’s trip to China, posting a video of him visiting the Great Wall with the caption: “@wemby exploring China!”
Wembanyama has yet to post about the trip on his official social media account as the 21-year-old is expected to return to the United States in the coming weeks and is likely to join the Spurs’ delegation at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
San Antonio missed the playoffs for the sixth straight year after finishing with a 34-48 record. The Spurs, however, landed the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft — their third straight year selecting in the top five.
Wembanyama’s sophomore season ended in March due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, shortly after making his first All-Star appearance.
He averaged 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, league-leading 3.8 blocks and 3.7 assists across 46 games. The only other player in league history to submit those numbers in a single season is six-time champion and MVP Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who did so in the 1975-76 campaign during his first year with the La Lakers.
[ALSO READ: Spurs shut down Victor Wembanyama for rest of season due to right shoulder blood clot]
Earlier this offseason, longtime Spurs head coach and five-time champion Gregg Popovich stepped down to assume the role of president of basketball operations.
Veteran assistant Mitch Johnson has since been promoted to head coach, taking the reins as San Antonio ushers in a new era.
[ALSO READ: Thank You, Pop: End of an era as Gregg Popovich steps down as Spurs head coach]
