Victor Wembanyama, the talented 21-year-old French player and reigning NBA Rookie of the Year, is set to miss the rest of the season due to a blood clot in his right shoulder. The San Antonio Spurs announced this concerning news on Thursday, just after Wembanyama returned from the All-Star weekend in San Francisco.
The Spurs discovered a deep vein thrombosis upon testing Wembanyama, and sources say he is expected to fully recover by the start of the next season. This diagnosis is a tough blow not just for the player but also for his teammates and fans.
Chris Paul, a teammate and friend, shared how challenging this situation has been for the team. “It’s been a little bit tough for everybody,” he said, highlighting how much Wembanyama contributes to their success and the love he has for the game.
Wembanyama’s stats this season reflect his impact on the court: he averages 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and an impressive 3.8 blocks per game. The Spurs, with a record of 23-29, are currently trying to secure a spot in the Western Conference’s Play-In Tournament.
The issue of blood clots is serious and typically arises from the compression of veins due to repetitive stress. Treatment usually involves medication or surgery. For example, in 2019, Brandon Ingram underwent surgery for a blood clot in his shoulder. Similarly, Ausar Thompson had his last season cut short by a blood clot but returned after a lengthy recovery. In more severe instances, Chris Bosh’s battle with blood clots in different areas forced him to retire early.
Wembanyama’s recent travel schedule may have contributed to his condition. Last month, he traveled to Paris for two games before returning to the U.S. for further play and competitions. Observers noted that he seemed to struggle with fatigue and shortness of breath, initially attributed to allergies. However, further testing confirmed the blood clot.
Dr. Geoffrey Barnes, a cardiologist, pointed out that taller individuals, like Wembanyama, are more prone to blood clots. He explained that similar issues are often seen in athletes like baseball pitchers and weightlifters. If no structural issue is found near Wembanyama’s shoulder, he may just need medication to prevent future clots.
The Spurs plan to keep everyone updated on Wembanyama’s recovery. Also, this injury means he won’t qualify for any regular-season awards this year, including the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
On a separate note, legendary coach Gregg Popovich is currently recovering from a stroke and has not been on the bench since November. Although he is expected to return, there’s no clear timetable yet. Losing both Popovich and their best player poses a significant challenge for the Spurs, as they attempt to remain competitive in the league.
“You can’t replace Vic,” Paul stated, emphasizing the unique skills Wembanyama brings to the team. It’s a challenging time for the Spurs, but they remain focused on the future.
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San Antonio Spurs, NBA
