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Wembanyama expected to miss remainder of NBA season due to medical condition
Reuters • February 21st, 2025 9:35 am
Photo: AP
San Antonio Spurs All-Star centre Victor Wembanyama is expected to miss the rest of the season with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.
Thrombosis occurs when blood turns into clumps inside a blood vessel, creating a blood clot. ESPN reported that the Spurs believe it is an isolated issue.
"The condition was discovered when Wembanyama returned to San Antonio following the All-Star Game in San Francisco," Spurs said.
"Wembanyama is expected to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 regular season. The team will provide updates as appropriate."
Wembanyama, 21, was listed as doubtful on the injury report on Wednesday because of illness ahead of Spurs's game Thursday against the Phoenix Suns in Austin, Texas.
He is averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and a league-high 3.8 blocked shots in 46 starts this season. He also leads Spurs with 142 made 3-pointers.
"It's tough," Spurs guard Chris Paul told ESPN.
"Tough more than anything, I think for all of us, knowing how much he means to our team, but more so knowing how much he means to the game and how much he loves to play."
Paul said Wembanyama's absence will be felt on and off the court.
"Aside from his basketball ability, his charisma and what he brings into the locker room I think is what we'll miss the most," Paul said.
Named the unanimous NBA Rookie of the Year last season, the seven-foot-three Wembanyama competed in his first All-Star Game last weekend and was the favourite for NBA Defensive Player of the Year honours this season.
Spurs selected the France native first overall in the 2023 NBA Draft. In parts of two seasons, he is averaging 22.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 3.7 blocks in 117 games (all starts).
This is the second major loss for San Antonio this season. Gregg Popovich, the winningest coach in NBA history, has been on indefinite leave since November after suffering a stroke.
