The San Antonio Spurs could be without Victor Wembanyama for some time.
During Monday night’s action against the Philadelphia 76ers, Wembanyama went back to the locker room with a rib issue. The Spurs ruled him out for the rest of the game, leaving a major question mark for the future.
On a positive note, the Spurs didn’t collapse with Wembanyama out. They ended up taking down the Sixers with a 115-102 win. It was a positive sample size of life without Wembanyama in San Antonio.
As the Spurs potentially embark on a short-term future with Wembanyama sidelined, the one-time NBA champion Iman Shumpert is sure that the Spurs will turn this situation into a positive.
Iman Shumpert Has A Positive Outlook On The Victor Wembanyama Injury
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 01: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during the first quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on March 01, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
“It’s definitely gonna affect them when they start thinking about putting together schemes and putting together lineups that they can go out there and win with in the playoffs, but one thing that’s not being talked about is how much these guards are going to continue to grow with the absence of him for however long he needs to just get right,” Shmpert said on ESPN on Tuesday.
“Their guard play has been exceptional. Their guards, though losing Wemby in that game, continue to grind and continue to get it done. Castle came up big with that triple-double and got things done. So I low-key trust this Spurs team to keep on grinding and keep on making things happen, playing as if they don’t have him, so that when he makes his return to smooth sailing.”
More Time For The Supporting Cast
GettySAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – DECEMBER 23: Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs in action during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Frost Bank Center on December 23, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
It’s no secret that the game runs through Victor Wembanyama when he’s on the court.
As long as Wembanyama is on the floor, he’s going to be responsible for a lot of what the Spurs do or don’t do. In his absence, the usual supporting cast will on a bigger workload, which could go a long way in an emergency situation during the playoffs.
What’s Next For The Spurs?
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 08: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs in action during a game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on October 08, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The Spurs will soon get clarity on Wembanyama’s status moving forward. They have a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.
If Wembanyama can’t get the nod to play on Wednesday, then he’ll have two more matchups to look at. On Friday, the Spurs host the Dallas Mavericks. San Antonio will close out the season with a matchup against the Denver Nuggets.