Spurs' Victor Wembanyama (shoulder) is anticipated to sit out for the remainder of the season.
Victor Wembanyama, center for the San Antonio Spurs, will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his right shoulder, the team confirmed Thursday.
The announcement came just hours before the Spurs were set to face the Phoenix Suns, marking the beginning of their post-All-Star Break schedule.
Wembanyama was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis earlier this week after returning from the All-Star Game. Treatment typically involves blood-thinning medication, which prevents participation in contact sports like basketball due to the increased risk of bleeding.
While this news is a major setback for the Spurs, the team remains optimistic about Wembanyama’s long-term health and recovery. The reigning Kia Rookie of the Year has been a standout in the 2023-24 season, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.6 blocks per game over 71 appearances. He is also a frontrunner for the Kia Defensive Player of the Year award, leading the NBA with 3.8 blocks per game. Additionally, he’s posting 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game this season and has already attempted 403 three-pointers, setting a historic pace.
Miami forward Kevin Love expressed his shock over the news, stating, “Absolute shock,” upon hearing of Wembanyama’s condition.
The young star made his All-Star debut over the weekend, participating in the Kia Skills Challenge and the All-Star Game, where he recorded six points and four rebounds in a win and 11 points and three rebounds in a loss during the All-Star tournament final.
This news is a significant blow to the Spurs, who are currently in the hunt for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Blood clot issues have affected past NBA players, including Hall of Famer Chris Bosh, whose career was cut short due to a similar condition. However, some athletes, like Serena Williams, have made successful returns after facing blood clot challenges. Williams, who dealt with a pulmonary embolism in 2011, came back to dominate women’s tennis once again.
Wembanyama is widely regarded as one of the brightest young stars in the NBA. LeBron James recently praised the 19-year-old’s maturity and mindset, commenting, “I think that’s super cool... It lets you know where his mind frame is at, where he is at intellectually, and I think he’s been great for the franchise with the Spurs. But he’s going to be great for our league for so many years to come.”
This report also includes information from The Associated Press.
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