RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Victor Wembanyama almost won the NBA championship in 2026 after a unique offseason, and NBA legend Joakim Noah recently got some insight into what the Spurs star did.
The 2025-26 NBA season eventually ended in disappointment for Victor Wembanyama, with the San Antonio Spurs losing against the New York Knicks in the Finals.
However, it was a huge achievement for Wemby and his young teammates to make it that far already. It wasn’t exactly a surprise either, the Frenchman is as locked in as any young star has ever been.
During the previous NBA offseason, he spent time training with monks at a Shaolin temple in China. And while the training was documented a bunch, Joakim Noah has now found out what he likely learned.
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Monk tells Joakim Noah that Victor Wembanyama likely strengthened himself mentally, among other benefits
Shaolin monks have a lot of mythology surrounding them thanks to their portrayal in mainstream media. But their principles of kindness, patience, and diligence are extremely real and grounded.
Noah recently interviewed a monk, and when he asked him what Wemby might have learned at the temple, those are the values he pointed towards.
“I think he might have learned to be kind to people,” the monk said. “(To) strengthen his patience, and train his mental strength.
“If you train as a group, you need to interact with others by doing the same practice that makes your heart refreshed. I think if your heart is refreshed, it might be reflected on your playing style.”
While the monk’s answer is philosophical, Wemby was surely able to strengthen himself physically during this time as well. His achievements reflected his improvement, the Spurs star was named Defensive Player of the Year.
Mental fortitude will be more important than ever for the 22-year-old going into next season. If Wembanyama and the Spurs are able to deal with their disappointment, they will be a real threat again.
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