Latest news with #ShaolinTemple
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Paul Pierce shares hilarious take on Victor Wembanyama's baldness
The post Paul Pierce shares hilarious take on Victor Wembanyama's baldness appeared first on ClutchPoints. Victor Wembanyama isn't just preparing for his second season in the NBA. He's transforming. After a stellar rookie campaign that put the league on notice, the 7-foot-3 San Antonio Spurs center decided to go off the grid, per TikTok. Not to a Miami beach. Not to a Vegas penthouse. Wembanyama flew to Zhengzhou, China for a 10-day retreat at the Shaolin Temple, the sacred home of Kung Fu. Advertisement And yes, he went fully bald. Images of Wemby in monk robes, sitting in deep meditation and walking barefoot through temple grounds, quickly went viral. It wasn't just the shaved head that sparked conversation. It was what it signaled. This wasn't about fashion. It was about focus. Former Celtics star Paul Pierce immediately picked up on that energy — and had jokes. Appearing on KG Certified with Kevin Garnett, the duo reacted to Wembanyama's new look. Garnett said, 'He went bald head,' before Pierce jumped in with, 'Oh, he's serious huh?' and 'He off this little pretty boy sh-t.' Then, with his signature straight face, Pierce added, 'I don't care what y'all thinking out here, I'm bald head. I might swing on you.' The delivery had Garnett howling. But underneath the laughs, Pierce tapped into something real. 'He locked in. He off the curls, all that light skin sh-t,' he said. 'Light skin cats don't like cutting they hair like that. They don't even like you touching it.' A different kind of offseason for Victor Wembanyama While most players spend their summer working on their jumper or hitting weight rooms, Wembanyama chose something different. Advertisement According to reports, he adjusted his schedule to fully commit to the Shaolin lifestyle — meditating, eating in silence, learning kung fu forms, and embracing strict discipline alongside monks. For 10 days, the league's reigning block leader stepped away from cameras and into quiet. His trip also included visits to the Great Wall and sampling local street food, but the temple time was no tourist activity. Victor Wembanyama wasn't treated as a star. He was accepted as a student. And that may be the most dangerous part for the rest of the league. He's no longer just the unicorn. He's the monk in the paint, and he might be coming back with a whole new mindset. Related: Nicki Minaj disses Shannon Sharpe on 'Made In NO' remix Related: Dream's Allisha Gray receives ultimate 'bad shot' praise from Plies
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tom Brady jokes with Spurs' Victor Wembanyama after Shaolin Temple trip
The post Tom Brady jokes with Spurs' Victor Wembanyama after Shaolin Temple trip appeared first on ClutchPoints. Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama turned heads this offseason after shaving his head and spending 10 days at the famed Shaolin Temple. Advertisement Since March, Wembanyama has been recovering from deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. Despite the setback, Wembanyama has remained active and visible throughout his rehabilitation. His recent spiritual and physical retreat to the legendary home of Shaolin Kung Fu quickly sparked online buzz. He even shared a playful moment with NFL legend Tom Brady. During an appearance on The Shop Live at Fanatics Fest, Wembanyama reflected on the experience. 'Shaving my head was the first thing we did. It's about Buddhism. I'm pretty sure I'm Buddhist now?' Wembanyama asked. 'They made me say something in Chinese. I'm not sure what it was.' Tom Brady, seated nearby, grinned and asked the Spurs big one simple question that drew immediate laughter from both the panel and the live audience. Advertisement 'You didn't sign anything, did you?' Brady asked. Meanwhile, NBA legends took notice as well. On KG Certified, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett responded to Wembanyama's transformation. 'The league has to pay attention,' Pierce warned. 'That's a flag you gotta watch,' Garnett added. Now back in the US, Wembanyama continues his recovery and works toward full readiness for the 2025–26 NBA season. With his body healing and his mindset renewed, the Spurs seem poised for a potential breakout year. Most importantly, Wembanyama looks prepared to lead that effort on both ends of the court. Veteran point guard Chris Paul has also spoken highly of his young teammate. He believes Wembanyama isn't just the future of the Spurs, but a defining figure in the league's next generation. Advertisement Additionally, the Spurs drew attention last season after acquiring All-Star guard De'Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings. Fox made his debut in a thrilling 126–125 win over the Atlanta Hawks. However, a few weeks later, a finger injury required surgery, which ruled him out for the remainder of the season. As the new NBA season approaches, all eyes remain on Wembanyama. Sharpened by adversity, strengthened by discipline, and fueled by purpose, he no longer stands as just a promising talent – he's evolving into a force the league can no longer ignore. The Shaolin Temple mindset may have been temporary for Wembanyama, but the transformation it sparked? That could last a lifetime. Related: Spurs' Victor Wembanyama reveals Gregg Popovich's 'incredible' quality Related: Spurs' Victor Wembanyama names all-time starting five at Fanatics Fest
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Spurs' Victor Wembanyama's latest offseason activity will catch fans' attention
The post Spurs' Victor Wembanyama's latest offseason activity will catch fans' attention appeared first on ClutchPoints. San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama has taken an unconventional offseason path, trading the hardwood for a spiritual journey at China's renowned Shaolin Temple. His 10-day retreat—focused on recovery, mental clarity, and cultural immersion—has quickly drawn widespread attention. Rather than opting for typical training camps or rest, the rising NBA star sought a deeper reset, aligning mind, body, and spirit. This rare move speaks volumes about his discipline and evolving mindset as he prepares for the demands of a new season with San Antonio. Advertisement Earlier this month, Wembanyama joined a group of martial artists at the UNESCO World Heritage site in Zhengzhou, practicing Shaolin Temple Kung Fu. In a now-viral 17-second video, the Spurs star is seen in full monk attire performing synchronized kicks and stances. Dubbed the world's tallest monk, Wembanyama's towering 7'3' frame drew awe from fans as he moved alongside traditional fighters. His presence in China has sparked curiosity and admiration across social media platforms worldwide. Beyond martial arts, the offseason trip has involved daily Chan meditation, study of Chinese medicine, and moments of reflection. Although not formally ordained, Wembanyama's stay was a recognized spiritual residency—complete with shaved head and hours spent meditating before Buddha statues. This immersive experience allowed him to disconnect from distractions, embrace a slower rhythm, and cultivate focus—key traits for any elite athlete. Advertisement This retreat follows a tough 2024–25 NBA season where Wembanyama posted 24.3 PPG, 11 RPG, and 3.8 BPG, before being sidelined in February due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. The NBA unicorn is now focused on holistic health, both physical and mental, as he looks to return stronger than ever next season. His decision to pursue ancient practices suggests a desire to enhance both performance and longevity. While in China, the face of the Spurs franchise also attended a Women's Volleyball Nations League match in Beijing—cheering on the French team, which included his agent's daughter—and made a visit to the Great Wall. His offseason choices continue to reflect a deepening pattern of cultural exploration and personal growth. While past NBA legends like Shaquille O'Neal have made similar visits to Shaolin, Wembanyama's journey feels especially resonant given his global stature and evolving image. For the Spurs, this trip is more than wellness—it's preparation at its most intentional. Wembanyama's Kung Fu experience at the Shaolin Temple goes beyond spectacle—it symbolizes a deliberate and profound step in his offseason recovery. Backed by the Spurs, this holistic journey could reshape his mindset, elevate his performance, and return a more focused, resilient leader to San Antonio—one ready to anchor the team's next chapter. Advertisement Related: NBA rumors: Thunder, Spurs linked to rising draft star Related: RUMOR: Multiple teams trying to raid Jason Kidd's Mavericks coaching staff
Daily Mail
11-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
NBA star looks unrecognizable with new look as he enters Chinese monastery after injury scare
NBA star Victor Wembanyama is currently in the middle of a retreat at a Chinese monastery where he looks unrecognizable with a shaved head. The 7-foot-3 Frenchman is in the middle of the 10-day exercise trying to stay as isolated as possible. Wembanyama can be seen praying in grey robes as well as running alongside a forest. The San Antonio Spurs sensation appeared in China in one of his first public appearances since his injury scare. Wembanyama was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in right shoulder in February, ending his season, with the Spurs believing it to be an 'isolated condition.' A vein thrombosis occurs when blood begins to clot in deeper veins in the body. The issue can become seriously dangerous because those clogs could loosen and end up in the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Wemby is in China beginning his 'journey of inner discipline, focus, and mind-body harmony' at the Shaolin Temple According to a Buddhist monk, Wemby is on a ''Summer Retreat'' tradition that is tied back to ancient Buddhist practices (via @SpursGDP, @SpursReporter) — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 11, 2025 NBA star Victor Wembanyama is currently in the middle of a retreat at a Chinese monastery It is almost always treated with blood-thinning medication, which typically precludes a player from participating in a contact sport such as basketball. Athletes who are involved with contact sports are typically advised to avoid using such medication because of the heightened chance of bleeding. Wembanyama's injury came just days after first All-Star Game appearance. The 21-year-old Frenchman was the NBA's Rookie of the Year in 2023-24, as well as an All-Defensive First Team selection after leading the league in blocked shots. He was averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks and 3.7 assists; the only other player to finish a season averaging all that was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1975-76. The Spurs are positioned to make a jump with Wembanyama in his third year in the NBA, as he might not be the only superstar on his team come October. San Antonio is believed to be a major play in the sweepstakes for both Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
CTV News
10-06-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
World's tallest monk? Victor Wembanyama spotted at China's Shaolin Temple with shaved head
Victor Wembanyama looks on during the 2025 Women's Volleyball Nations League match between France and Belgium at National Indoor Stadium on June 6, 2025 in Beijing, China. (via CNN Newsource) French 7'3' NBA star Victor Wembanyama may have just unlocked a new position: Shaolin monk. Wembanyama, who ended last season early due to a rare blood clot in his right shoulder appeared to be looking for some off-season spiritual peace and strength at a Shaolin Temple in central China. A widely circulated image showed the San Antonio Spurs center with a freshly shaven head, sitting pensively in front of small Buddha statues inside a room typically used by abbots to receive guests. Chinese state media reports confirmed on Monday that he was indeed at the temple. The image, which CNN is unable to trace to its original source, was reposted by multiple Chinese state media outlets and by the NBA's official account on Chinese social media. NBA said on its official Weibo page on Monday that 'according to reports' Wembanyama has shaved his head and begun a 10-day retreat in the Shaolin Temple. In a separate video on Douyin, China's version of TikTok, a bystander spotted the towering basketball player at the temple. Perhaps the 'tallest monk' in history, both ancient and modern. During a private visit to China, San Antonio Spurs basketball player Victor Wembanyama had his head shaved at the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, donned monastic robes, and shared a vegetarian meal, preparing for… — China in Pictures (@tongbingxue) June 9, 2025 The 1,500-year-old monastery, nestled deep in the forested mountains of central China's Henan province, is known for Zen Buddhism and the Chinese martial art of kung fu. Retreats at the temple focus on discipline, meditation and inner harmony and aim to help disconnect from real-world distractions. The 21-year-old Wembanyama – a 2024-25 NBA All-star and 2023-24 Rookie of the Year, just went through a tough season. He had been out since February following a rare deep vein thrombosis diagnosis and several weeks later the Spurs were officially eliminated from playoffs. Wembanyama seemingly wanted to stay low-key on his journey at the monastery. The Frenchman has not yet posted anything about it on social media. On Monday, the Shaolin Temple, told CNN 'We are not aware of this' when asked about Wembanyama staying there. But a state-owned outlet of Henan province, where the temple is located, reportedly learned from people at the temple that 'Wembanyama is indeed currently in the Shaolin Temple, but the relevant matters are not convenient to be disclosed to the public'. Right before the spiritual tour, the French basketballer spent a couple of fun days in Beijing. Locals spotted him shopping, playing basketball, walking in a park, and even visiting the Great Wall, as shown in their social media footage. The San Antonio Spurs on Friday shared a video on Instagram of Wembanyama as he visited the Great Wall of China in Beijing. 'It's Victor Wembanyama. Life in China on the Great Wall itself, having an amazing time. It's crazy,' he said. The Shaolin temple often attracts well known figures. Prominent U.S. YouTuber IShowSpeed visited to the same temple back in March, training with a kung fu master and generating millions of views on his social media accounts.
