San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is expected to be out for the remainder of the season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.
In a statement, the Spurs revealed that the condition – a type of blood clot – was identified following Wembanyama’s return to San Antonio after participating in the All-Star Game.
The treatment typically involves blood-thinning medication, which generally prevents athletes from engaging in contact sports like basketball.
Reports say the team remain hopeful Wembanyama will fully recover in time for the start of the 2025-26 season.
The reigning Rookie of the Year and first-time All-Star was putting up impressive numbers, averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and a league-leading 3.8 blocks over 46 games for the 23-29 Spurs.
However, due to not meeting the required 65-game minimum, Wembanyama will be ineligible for All-NBA, Defensive Player of the Year, and other major accolades.
Breaking: Victor Wembanyama is expected to miss the remainder of the season with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, the Spurs announced. pic.twitter.com/WnvCRd04qd
— ESPN (@espn) February 20, 2025
Prior to the announcement, he had been a heavy favourite to win Defensive Player of the Year for his stellar performances across the season.
Wembanyama had already attempted 403 three-pointers and recorded 176 blocks this season. No player in NBA history had ever reached those numbers within a single campaign, and he accomplished this before the All-Star break.
The Spurs stated that further updates on Wembanyama’s condition will be shared as necessary.
Wembanyama also competed for France at the Paris Olympics last summer, taking home a silver medal after losing out to Team USA in the final.
His rise to the top has been meteoric and his absence will leave a big hole in the NBA for the rest of the campaign.
