NBA star Victor Wembanyama has been diagnosed with a blood clot in his right shoulder, potentially ending his season prematurely. This situation not only forces one of the league's most dazzling stars to take a break, but it is also the second major health blow suffered by the San Antonio Spurs in a matter of months. This setback underscores the unpredictable nature of professional sports.
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02-23, 2025According to a person familiar with the matter, Wembanyama has immediately begun treatment, and the Spurs expect the 221-centimeter French center to make a full recovery. The person requested anonymity because the details were not public. It is reported that if Wembanyama is willing, he may even have the opportunity to represent France in the European Championships in the middle of the year, marking a potential return to competition.
Spurs guard Chris Paul said, "You can't replace Vic. I can't stand on someone else's shoulders and block every shot at the basket. Beyond his basketball ability, his personality and what he brings to the locker room, I think, is what we miss most." Paul's comments highlight Wembanyama's multifaceted impact on the team.
The Spurs said that Wembanyama's condition—deep vein thrombosis—was diagnosed this week after he returned from the All-Star Game. This condition is almost always treated with blood-thinning medication. Athletes in contact sports such as basketball have long been advised to avoid participating in competitions while taking such medications because the risk of bleeding increases. This precaution is essential for the safety of the players.
Wembanyama's diagnosis was announced approximately three and a half months after Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich suffered a stroke and was forced to take temporary leave, with assistant coach Mitch Johnson serving as acting coach. The Spurs said that Popovich's condition is improving, but a timetable for his return to the coaching bench has not yet been determined. The team is eagerly awaiting his return.
Paul said, "To be honest, this time has been very difficult. This team always manages to put everything in perspective. Obviously, Popovich's situation, and what he means to the league and Vic, and Vic participating in his first All-Star Game... For us, we know we have a job to do, but like anyone, we worry about our people." This shows the strong bond within the Spurs organization.
Wembanyama was named the league's best rookie last season and is also a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year this season. So far this season, he has made 403 three-point shots and 176 blocks—no player in NBA history has reached both of these numbers in a single season, and Wembanyama did it before the All-Star Game. His season averages are 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks and 3.7 assists; the only other player to accomplish those numbers was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who did it in the 1975-76 season. His performance has been truly remarkable.
Miami Heat forward Kevin Love said he was "very shocked" when he learned of Wembanyama's condition after training on Thursday. Love said, "First of all, you pray for him. You hope he's okay, both personally and professionally. He means a lot to the league. He's an incredible competitor and has the potential to be the face of the league for the next 20 years. I can't imagine this league without him in the short or long term. He's that important." Love's words emphasize Wembanyama's significance to the NBA.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) refers to the formation of a blood clot (thrombus) in one or more deep veins in the body, usually in the legs. It may cause pain or swelling in the leg. Sometimes there are no obvious symptoms. It can become a serious problem because a clot in the vein can break loose, travel through the bloodstream, get stuck in the lungs, and block blood flow (pulmonary embolism). When DVT and pulmonary embolism occur at the same time, it is called venous thromboembolism (VTE). Blood thinners are used to treat blood clots, which means athletes are more prone to bruising and bleeding. Understanding the risks is crucial for athletes and medical professionals.
In the past, NBA players have been affected by similar situations, including retired Hall of Famer Chris Bosh, whose career was cut short after being diagnosed with blood clots while playing for the Miami Heat. Brandon Ingram of the Toronto Raptors also ended his 2018-19 season early due to deep vein thrombosis while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. Detroit Pistons' Ausar Thompson also missed the end of the 2023-24 season due to blood clot issues. These cases highlight the prevalence of this condition in professional sports.
Dr. Geoffrey Barnes, associate professor of cardiology and vascular medicine at the University of Michigan, said, "Anytime we find a blood clot in the upper extremity or arm, we need to ask ourselves why it happened. So, finding the cause is going to be a very important part... Understanding why this happened is very important because it will determine the treatment plan and the potential long-term consequences." Determining the underlying cause is essential for effective management.
Some athletes have recovered after dealing with blood clot issues, sometimes even better than before. Serena Williams was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism—a blood clot in the lungs—in 2011, and when she returned, she once again became the dominant force in women's world tennis. "It was the scariest thing I've ever been through," Williams said a few months after her return. Her comeback serves as an inspiration for others facing similar health challenges.
