San Antonio Spurs fans received some shocking news on February 20, 2025, as the team announced their star player, Victor Wembanyama, will miss the rest of the NBA season due to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) diagnosed in his right shoulder. This injury follows Wembanyama's return from the All-Star Weekend, where he showcased his skills but apparently returned feeling unusually fatigued.
Wembanyama, who is just 21 years old, had been enjoying a prolific season, averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.8 blocks over 46 games. Initially drafted first overall by the Spurs after making waves during his rookie season, he quickly established himself as one of the NBA's brightest stars.
The Spurs disclosed the diagnosis after Wembanyama experienced low energy upon returning home from the All-Star festivities. "We were concerned by his symptoms which led to the discovery of the blood clot," said source reports from The Athletic's Sam Amick. Deep vein thrombosis typically arises due to blood clots forming, and though it's commonly associated with the lower extremities, it can also occur elsewhere, such as Wembanyama's shoulder. The condition is often treated using blood-thinning medications, which typically prevent athletes from participating in contact sports like basketball during recovery.
Reports indicate the Spurs are viewing Wembanyama's DVT as likely being isolated—meaning it shouldn't lead to long-term complications. This was emphasized by various sources, including ESPN's Tim MacMahon, who conveyed the team's optimism for Wembanyama to make a full recovery before the start of the next season.
Initially, Wembanyama had emerged as the frontrunner for the Defensive Player of the Year award, demonstrating exemplary performance both on offense and defense. He had dominated the league statistically, leading with 3.8 blocks per game and also becoming one of the speculative picks for All-NBA selection. Unfortunately, due to the injury's timing, he will not meet the necessary minimum of 65 games played to qualify for these honors this season.
San Antonio’s aspirations for the rest of the season now pivot sharply following Wembanyama's absence. With the team currently ranked 12th in the Western Conference with a record of 23-29, making a strong playoff push now seems unlikely. The Spurs had already faced significant adversity this season, including the medical recovery of their head coach, Gregg Popovich, who suffered a mild stroke and has since been away from his coaching duties.
Chris Paul, the Spurs’ point guard, expressed the emotional weight of Wembanyama's departure. "It's tough more than anything, I think for all of us, knowing how much he means to our team and how much he loves to play," he stated after the announcement. The sentiments resonate deeply within the Spurs community, including their fans, who flooded social media with messages of support and concern for Wembanyama’s health.
On the fan front, social media exploded with reactions, many voicing heartbreak. Comments ranged from "Just fell to my knees" to calls for prayers and hopes for his swift recovery. This stark reaction shows the connection Wembanyama has forged with his supporters since being drafted.
Wembanyama's situation draws echoes of past NBA players who faced similar issues. The case of Chris Bosh, whose career was abruptly ended by blood clots, looms prominently. Although this situation creates anxiety among fans and the player himself, others like Serena Williams have rebounded from serious clot complications to continued success. Williams's reflection on her own experience, describing the situation as "scary," underlines the reality of taking blood clots seriously. Wembanyama’s case, informed by previous occurrences, remains hopeful for recovery.
The Spurs will be redirecting their focus toward building team chemistry, with strategies to leverage the skills of players like De'Aaron Fox and to contemplate their approach to upcoming drafts. While this season may be deemed unsuccessful due to injuries and setbacks, the organization maintains optimism for the future, stemming from their promising 7'4" French player.
Looking beyond the confines of the current season and injuries, Wembanyama's talent and potential remains undiminished. The Spurs organization, along with his fans, hope fervently for his full recovery so he can once again dazzle on the court next season. Amidst all the uncertainties, the commitment to supporting Wembanyama will drive collective efforts forward as they work through the remaining challenges of the current season.