Victor Wembanyama to Miss the Remainder of the Season Due to Deep Vein Thrombosis
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder, ESPN reports. The 19-year-old phenom’s diagnosis was revealed after he returned to San Antonio following the All-Star Game in San Francisco.
According to the Spurs’ medical team, the blood clot is isolated, and while the diagnosis is severe, the team is prioritizing Wembanyama’s safety. The decision to sit out the remainder of the season was made to ensure his health. A statement from the team read, “Victor Wembanyama has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. The condition was discovered after his return from the All-Star Game, and he is expected to miss the rest of the season. The team will provide updates as possible.”
Chris Paul’s Thoughts on Wembanyama’s Injury
Spurs point guard Chris Paul expressed the team’s collective disappointment over Wembanyama’s injury, noting how important the young star is to both the team and the game itself. “It’s tough, tough more than anything, I think for all of us, knowing how much he means to our team, but more so knowing how much he means to the game and how much he loves to play,” Paul shared.
Paul emphasized the importance of perspective, acknowledging that while basketball is central to their lives, it is not who they are as individuals. “Life and everything is so much more important, but for us, we know losing a big part of our team like that is [made up for] by committee,” Paul continued. “You can’t replace Vic. I can’t stand on a guy’s shoulders and block every shot that comes to the rim. His basketball ability, charisma, and what he brings into the locker room is what we’ll miss the most.”
Wembanyama’s Breakout Season Cut Short
Wembanyama was enjoying a breakout season in his second year in the NBA, having earned a spot in the 2024 NBA All-Star Game. The towering center had been a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, leading the league in blocks with an average of 3.8 per game. In 46 games, Wembanyama was averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists for the Spurs, who hold a 23-29 record.
Unfortunately, due to missing the remainder of the season, Wembanyama will fall short of the 65-game minimum required for postseason awards, meaning he will no longer be eligible for the Defensive Player of the Year award despite his impressive performance this season.
Looking Ahead for Wembanyama and the Spurs
The Spurs will now face the challenge of moving forward without their emerging superstar, but the team will rally together to fill the void. While Wembanyama’s basketball abilities will certainly be missed, his influence in the locker room and on the court will leave a lasting impact on the team. Spurs fans and basketball enthusiasts alike will now have to wait until next season to see the highly anticipated return of Wembanyama, whose future in the league remains incredibly bright.
