Wembanyama Likely Out for Rest of Season Following Blood Clot Diagnosis

San Antonio Spurs’ rising star, Victor Wembanyama, will not return this season due to a diagnosis of a blood clot in his right shoulder. This unfortunate health issue marks a significant setback for one of the NBA’s standout players and adds to the Spurs’ recent struggles with player health.

Wembanyama has commenced treatment and the Spurs are hopeful that the 7-foot-3 center from France will make a full recovery, according to an anonymous source familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press.

There is a possibility that Wembanyama, who leads the league in shot-blocking and recently earned his first All-Star selection, could represent France in the European Championships this summer, should he choose to do so, the source indicated.

“You simply can’t replace Victor,” remarked Spurs guard Chris Paul. “I can’t jump in his place to block every shot at the rim. Beyond his exceptional play, we’re really going to miss his charisma and the positive energy he brings to the locker room.”

Understanding the Diagnosis

This week, following his return from the All-Star Game, Wembanyama was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, as reported by the Spurs on Thursday. The condition is commonly treated with blood-thinning medications and will require further assessment.

“While I’m not a medical expert, I can say this: Victor mentioned that his arm didn’t feel quite right. This was conveyed to our medical staff,” said acting Spurs coach Mitch Johnson on Thursday night. “They examined the situation, which led us to this point.”

“Our medical professionals confirm that Victor will sit out the remainder of the season, and there are no long-term health concerns regarding his situation or his ability to play in the future,” Johnson assured.

This announcement comes just a few months after Spurs coach Gregg Popovich suffered a stroke, with Johnson stepping in as acting head coach during Popovich’s absence. The Spurs have reported that Popovich is improving, though no timeline for his return has been established.

“This has been incredibly difficult for everyone involved,” Paul stated. “Considering the situation with Coach Pop and knowing how significant he is to the league, along with Vic’s All-Star debut, we have a job to do, but like everyone else, we’re concerned for our colleagues.”

Wembanyama’s Historic Season

Victor Wembanyama was named the NBA’s rookie of the year last season and is a top contender for the defensive player of the year award this season. Having attempted 403 three-pointers and blocked an impressive 176 shots, he accomplished these historic feats before the All-Star break.

He is averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, and 3.7 assists per game—a feat that only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar matched in the 1975-76 season. The Spurs kicked off their schedule after the All-Star break on Thursday in Austin, Texas, facing the Phoenix Suns.

“This is devastating news, as losing a player of his caliber is a significant loss,” Johnson commented. “He captivates fans and is a vital player in the league.”

Kevin Love, forward for the Miami Heat, expressed his shock upon hearing the news of Wembanyama’s condition as he exited practice. “First and foremost, my thoughts and prayers are with him. He holds immense value to the league. As an extraordinary competitor, he has the potential to be the face of the league for the next two decades. It’s hard to envision the league without him, now or in the future.”

Blood clot issues have previously impacted NBA players, including Hall of Famer Chris Bosh, whose career was curtailed by a similar diagnosis while playing for Miami. Brandon Ingram also faced early season-ending challenges due to deep vein thrombosis during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, as did Ausar Thompson of Detroit this past season.

Now, the Spurs’ medical team must investigate why Wembanyama developed this condition.

“When dealing with upper extremity blood clots, it’s crucial to analyze the underlying causes,” explained Dr. Geoffrey Barnes, an associate professor of cardiology and vascular medicine at the University of Michigan. “Identifying the cause is vital, as it will influence treatment options and understand potential long-term effects.”

Though some athletes have returned stronger after battling blood clots, such as Serena Williams, who overcame a pulmonary embolism in 2011, Wembanyama’s future remains a focal point of concern for fans and fellow players alike.

Wembanyama, the top pick in the 2023 draft, is highly regarded as one of the game’s brightest young talents, previously leading France to a silver medal at last year’s Paris Olympics.

Paul mentioned he has been in touch with Wembanyama since the news broke but refrained from disclosing further details. “It’s all tough,” Paul said. “It’s hard for everyone, especially considering how much he contributes to our team and how passionate he is about the game.”