The San Antonio Spurs' season has taken a significant hit with the news that center Victor Wembanyama will miss the remainder of the season due to a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. Wembanyama, who was having a breakout season, averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, and 3.7 assists per game, was a favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year award and was likely to receive an All-NBA nod. His injury not only affects the Spurs' playoff chances but also has a ripple effect on the league, particularly in the award races.

The Spurs will now have to rely on their veteran trio of Chris Paul, Harrison Barnes, and De'Aaron Fox to lead the team, but it's unlikely they can make a deep playoff run without Wembanyama. The team's net rating dips by more than 10 points per 100 possessions whenever Wembanyama is out, making it challenging for them to compete against top teams. The Spurs are currently 3.5 games out of the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference, and their chances of making the playoffs seem slim. With Wembanyama's injury, the Spurs may focus on developing their young players and preparing for the next season.

Wembanyama's injury also affects the award races, particularly the Defensive Player of the Year and All-NBA teams. Evan Mobley, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Cade Cunningham are among the players who could benefit from Wembanyama's absence, as they are now more likely to receive these honors. The Rose Rule escalators in their contracts could also be triggered, making them eligible for more lucrative deals. For example, Mobley's contract reportedly has Rose Rule escalators that could take it to $269 million if he earns an All-NBA selection. The same is true for Jackson, who is fighting for a true, 35% super max as a slightly older player.

The news of Wembanyama's injury has sent shockwaves throughout the league, with many players and coaches expressing their support and well-wishes for the young star. Coaches like Tyronn Lue, Doc Rivers, and Michael Malone have all commented on the situation, with Lue saying that the NBA is "pretty united" in wanting to see Wembanyama return healthy. Players like Kevin Love and Nikola Jokic have also spoken out, with Love saying that Wembanyama is "that important" to the league. The outpouring of support from the NBA community is a testament to Wembanyama's impact on the game and his potential for future success.

In terms of the draft, the Spurs' chances of getting a high pick have increased with Wembanyama's injury. If the lottery were held today, San Antonio would have the 10th-best odds, and they could potentially add another lottery pick to their roster next summer. The Spurs also control Atlanta's unprotected first-round pick, giving them flexibility in the draft. This could be a blessing in disguise for the Spurs, as they can use this opportunity to add more young talent to their roster and build for the future. The 2025 draft class is considered strong, and the Spurs may be able to find a player who can complement Wembanyama and their existing core.