On Thursday, the San Antonio Spurs shared some tough news: star center Victor Wembanyama will miss the rest of the regular season due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. This condition was found when he returned to San Antonio after the All-Star Game last weekend.
Now, fans are left wondering about his recovery and what this means for his future. Wembanyama isn’t alone in dealing with blood clots; many athletes, like Chris Bosh and Brandon Ingram, have faced similar health issues. While it’s hard to predict how this will impact Wembanyama long-term, looking at other players’ experiences can provide some insight.
So, what exactly is deep vein thrombosis (DVT)? Simply put, it’s when a blood clot forms in a vein deep in the body, most often in the legs, but it can also occur in places like the arms and shoulders. The danger comes when these clots travel through the bloodstream and potentially block blood flow to the lungs, leading to a condition known as a pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening.
DVT is usually more common in older adults or those who are less active. However, it can strike anyone, even young athletes like Wembanyama. Symptoms might include pain and swelling in the affected area, which is often how these clots are discovered. While blood thinners can help, recovery can take several months.
Many athletes have dealt with similar conditions. Each story is unique—some players come back stronger after a diagnosis, while others have their careers cut short.
- Brandon Ingram: In March 2019, Ingram was diagnosed with DVT in his right shoulder, missing the remainder of the season. Despite this setback, he bounced back, achieving career highs and earning an All-Star selection by 2020.
- Chris Bosh: The former NBA star faced several health challenges with blood clots, leading to his early retirement in 2017 at just 31 years old. His journey highlights the serious impact such conditions can have.
- Ausar Thompson: The young Detroit Pistons forward was diagnosed with a blood clot in March 2024, missing eight months. He made a strong return to play, averaging over 9 points per game since his comeback.
- Anderson Varejão: The Brazilian player faced a similar scare when a clot was found in his lung in 2013, forcing him to miss the rest of the season. After recovery, he had several more years in professional basketball.
- Mirza Teletović: This Bosnian forward also dealt with serious blood clots. He was initially hospitalized in 2015 but returned to play before facing another issue in 2017 that ultimately led to his retirement.
- Serena Williams: In the world of tennis, Williams had her own battles with blood clots but successfully returned to the sport, showing that recovery is possible even for top athletes.
Wembanyama’s diagnosis is certainly concerning, but it’s essential to remain hopeful about his recovery. With advanced medical support and a strong focus on health, there’s a chance he’ll return to the court, potentially even revitalized. We’ll be watching closely as he works through this challenge.
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