The San Antonio Spurs announced that their star center, Victor Wembanyama, will be out for the rest of the season due to a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. This condition, also known as a blood clot, was discovered when Wembanyama returned to San Antonio after the All-Star Game. The Spurs are reportedly optimistic that he will be fine for training camp next season, but the diagnosis has raised concerns about the young star's recovery timeline and long-term career prospects.
Deep vein thrombosis is a condition where a blood clot forms in a vein deep within the body, often in the legs, but can also occur in other deep veins in the arms, pelvis, and shoulders. The biggest risk associated with this condition is that the clots can dislodge and travel through the bloodstream, potentially causing a pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening. Wembanyama's diagnosis is not an isolated incident, as several other athletes, including Chris Bosh, Brandon Ingram, and Ausar Thompson, have suffered from similar medical issues. The treatment for deep vein thrombosis typically involves blood thinners, which can help dissolve the clot, but the recovery process can take several months.
Wembanyama's injury has significant implications for the NBA, particularly in terms of awards and accolades. He was a strong candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year award, but his absence for the remainder of the season makes it unlikely that he will receive the honor. Other players, such as Evan Mobley and Jaren Jackson Jr., may benefit from Wembanyama's absence, as they could potentially take his place in the running for awards and contracts. The Spurs' playoff hopes have also been impacted, as they are now unlikely to reach the postseason without their star center. The team's net rating for the season dips by more than 10 points per 100 possessions whenever Wembanyama is out, making it difficult for them to compete without him.
Here are some recent athletes with similar conditions to Wembanyama's:
- Brandon Ingram: diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder in 2019 and missed the rest of the season
- Chris Bosh: struggled with blood clots throughout his career, including a pulmonary embolism in 2015, which ultimately led to his retirement
- Ausar Thompson: diagnosed with a blood clot in 2024 and missed eight months, but has since returned to the court and is averaging 9.3 points per game
- Anderson Varejão: suffered from a pulmonary embolism in 2013, but made a full recovery and continued to play in the NBA and Europe
- Mirza Teletović: diagnosed with bilateral pulmonary embolus in 2015 and again in 2017, which ultimately led to his retirement from the NBA
- Serena Williams: suffered from a pulmonary embolism in 2011, but made a full recovery and went on to win numerous tennis titles, including a career Golden Slam
The
recovery process for Wembanyama will be crucial in determining his long-term career prospects. While the Spurs are optimistic about his chances of making a full recovery, the
risk of complications or further injuries cannot be ruled out. As Wembanyama navigates this challenging time, he will likely face a long and difficult road to recovery, but with the right treatment and support, he can potentially return to the court and continue to thrive in the NBA.
The impact of Wembanyama's injury on the Spurs' future prospects is also significant. The team had been building around him, and his absence will likely affect their playoff hopes and potentially their draft position. However, the Spurs have a strong young core, and with the right moves, they can still build a competitive team around Wembanyama. The team's front office will need to make strategic decisions to ensure that they can surround Wembanyama with the right talent and support to help him succeed when he returns to the court.
