Spurs Star Wembanyama Diagnosed with Deep Vein Thrombosis \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder, likely ending his season. The 7-foot-3 phenom was having a historic year, averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks. With the Spurs struggling and coach Gregg Popovich still sidelined, Wembanyama’s absence further weakens the team. The diagnosis also disqualifies him from NBA awards under the league’s 65-game rule.
Victor Wembanyama’s Season Ends with DVT Diagnosis: Quick Looks
- Medical Condition: Wembanyama diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder.
- Treatment: He will likely be placed on blood thinners, which could prevent him from playing.
- Historic Season Cut Short: Averaged 24.3 PPG, 11 RPG, 3.8 BPG, numbers matched only by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
- Spurs’ Struggles Continue: Team unlikely to make playoffs, especially without their star player.
- Gregg Popovich Also Out: Coach recovering from a stroke, leaving the Spurs further weakened.
- NBA Impact: One of the league’s most exciting young stars now sidelined.
- Award Eligibility Lost: Falls short of the 65-game requirement, ruling him out for Defensive Player of the Year.
Deep Look
San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder, a condition that could end his season and keep him off the court indefinitely. The 7-foot-3 center from France had been enjoying a historic sophomore campaign, averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, and 3.7 assists per game. Since blocked shots became an official stat, only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has put up similar numbers in a season, making Wembanyama’s absence a major loss for both the Spurs and the NBA.
The Spurs announced Wembanyama’s DVT diagnosis on Thursday, sending shockwaves through the league. According to the Mayo Clinic, deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs, though it can appear elsewhere in the body. In Wembanyama’s case, the clot formed in his right shoulder, an unusual location for the condition. The biggest risk of DVT is that a clot could break loose, travel through the bloodstream, and block an artery in the lungs, leading to a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. While the Spurs have not reported any such complications, Wembanyama’s medical team will continue monitoring the situation closely as they determine the best course of treatment.
Doctors who spoke to The Associated Press—though not directly involved in Wembanyama’s care—said it is likely that the French phenom will be placed on blood-thinning medication (anticoagulants) to treat the clot and prevent new ones from forming. Historically, athletes in contact sports like basketball have been discouraged from playing while on blood thinners because of the increased risk of bleeding from injuries. However, a recent article published by the American College of Cardiology suggests that some athletes may be able to compete while undergoing anticoagulation therapy under careful medical supervision. Despite this evolving medical stance, the Spurs may take a more cautious approach, potentially ruling Wembanyama out for the remainder of the season.
For San Antonio, this diagnosis is yet another blow in a season that has been filled with setbacks. The team was already struggling to stay in the playoff race, and now, losing its best player makes a postseason push nearly impossible. While the Spurs still have veteran talent like Chris Paul, Harrison Barnes, and newly acquired De’Aaron Fox, the team was built around Wembanyama, and his absence leaves a massive void. Making matters worse, head coach Gregg Popovich has been sidelined since November after suffering a stroke, further weakening the franchise’s leadership at a critical moment. Without Wembanyama and Popovich, the Spurs are effectively in survival mode, with their focus likely shifting toward development and preparation for next season.
Beyond the Spurs, Wembanyama’s absence impacts the NBA as a whole, robbing the league of one of its biggest rising stars. His every move is headline news in France and a major storyline in the U.S., making him one of the most marketable international players in recent memory. A deep playoff run could have solidified his superstardom, but with his season now in jeopardy, fans will have to wait longer to see him on basketball’s biggest stage. The NBA’s international influence continues to grow, with six consecutive MVP winners hailing from outside the U.S., and Wembanyama was expected to be the next face of that movement. His setback delays what many believe is his inevitable rise to the top of the sport.
One of the most immediate effects of Wembanyama’s early exit is that he is now ineligible for NBA end-of-season awards. The league’s 65-game rule, implemented last season, requires players to appear in at least 65 games to be eligible for major honors like MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. Before his diagnosis, Wembanyama was a favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, thanks to his dominant shot-blocking ability. However, with only 46 games played, he will not meet the threshold, officially eliminating him from consideration. Had this happened during his rookie season, he still could have won Rookie of the Year, since that award does not fall under the 65-game rule. But under current league policies, Wembanyama will have to wait another year to chase individual accolades.
Looking ahead, the priority is Wembanyama’s health, and his return to basketball will depend on how quickly and effectively his body responds to treatment. If his doctors determine that long-term anticoagulation therapy is necessary, he may have to remain sidelined for several months to avoid potential complications. While deep vein thrombosis is treatable, it requires careful monitoring and management, especially for a high-level athlete whose future depends on his ability to stay on the court. The Spurs, known for taking a patient approach with injured stars, will likely err on the side of caution to ensure Wembanyama is fully healthy before he returns to play.
For now, the basketball world is left wondering what could have been. Wembanyama was in the midst of a historic season, bringing excitement and intrigue to a Spurs team rebuilding around him. His unexpected diagnosis brings that momentum to a halt, but if his past resilience is any indication, he will be ready to return stronger than ever when he’s cleared to play.
