San Antonio, TX – In news that has send shockwaves through the NBA, the San Antonio Spurs Star center Victor Wembanyama will miss the rest of the 2024-25 NBA season season due to a blood clot in his right shoulder. The affliction, formally called deep vein thrombosis, was discovered when Wembanyama returned to San Antonio after the All-Star Game in San Francisco.
The team did not provide a specific timeline, saying only that Wembanyama is “expected to miss” the rest of the regular season. Deep vein thrombosis typically occurs in the legs, but can affect other parts of the body. ESPN is reporting that the Spurs think Wembanyama’s condition is isolated and expect him to make a full recovery before next season.
But Wembayama is not the only athlete or basketball player to suffer from blood clots; several players, including Chris Bosh, Brandon Ingram and Ausar Thompson, have had similar medical issues. Although it is not yet known how Wembayama’s diagnosis will affect his career long term, past cases in sports can serve as a reference point.
Deep vein thrombosis is a condition where a blood clot forms in a vein deep within the body. The clots are most common in the legs, per the Mayo Clinic, but can occur in other deep veins in the arms, pelvis and shoulders.
Spurs point guard Chris Paul said the team was informed of Wembanyama’s diagnosis at a team meeting Wednesday morning in preparation for that night’s game against the Phoenix Suns in Austin.
“It was tough more than anything, I think, for all of us,” Paul told reporters in Austin, “knowing how much he means to the game and how much he loves to play.”
Last weekend marked Wembanyama’s first All-Star appearance since arriving in the league last season. The 21-year-old sensation had a dominant first season, picking up Rookie of the Year and leading the league in blocks.
This season, Wembanyama has averaged 24.3 points and 11 rebounds per game, while also contributing 3.8 blocks and 1.1 steals per game on the defensive end. He leads the NBA in blocks with 176.
