San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his right shoulder. This diagnosis marks the second significant health-related setback for the Spurs within recent months.
The 2.21-meter-tall center from France, one of the NBA's brightest young stars, is set to begin immediate treatment. A source familiar with the situation stated that Wembanyama is expected to fully recover, although further details were not publicly disclosed.
Despite his current condition, there is a possibility that Wembanyama could represent France at this summer's European Championships, provided his health allows for participation, according to the source.
\"You can't replace Vic,\" San Antonio veteran point guard Chris Paul remarked. \"I can't stand on a guy's shoulders and block every shot that comes to the rim. Aside from his basketball ability, his charisma and what he brings into the locker room, I think, is what we'll miss the most.\"
Wembanyama's condition, diagnosed as deep vein thrombosis, was identified this week following his return from All-Star Weekend in San Francisco. Treatment typically involves blood-thinning medication, with ongoing evaluations required to monitor his progress.
\"I'm not smart enough, or inclined enough with the medical expertise, but this is what I can say: Victor felt his arm didn't feel completely normal. That was articulated to our medical staff,\" said Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson Thursday night. \"They looked into it and that's how we got here. The medical experts and the people that are smarter than everybody in the room… confirm that he'll be done this year, and that there is no concern for Victor's long-term health personally, or anything related to his basketball activities,\" Johnson added.
Wembanyama's diagnosis comes approximately three and a half months after Spurs coach Gregg Popovich suffered a stroke, with interim coach Mitch Johnson stepping in during his absence. The Spurs have indicated that Popovich's condition is improving, though there is no set timeline for his return.
The French center was the NBA's Rookie of the Year last season and is a frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year this campaign. He has already attempted 403 three-pointers and blocked 176 shots this season — numbers unmatched in NBA history at the end of the All-Star Break. Wembanyama is averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, and 3.7 assists per game, a feat last achieved by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the 1975-76 season.
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San Antonio's Wembanyama to miss remainder of season due to blood clot
cgtn.com
