NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
•Subscribe to NBA League Pass NOW
The San Antonio Spurs announced on Thursday that center Victor Wembanyama will miss the entire 2024-25 season following a diagnosis of a blood clot in his right shoulder.
This distressing update came just hours before the Spurs were set to take on the Phoenix Suns, marking the beginning of the post-All-Star Break segment of their schedule. This setback is significant for the Spurs, who are currently in the race for a playoff position in the Western Conference. It also marks another substantial challenge for the team this season after head coach Gregg Popovich suffered a stroke in November, rendering him unable to coach.
pic.twitter.com/rTlFYch2Rr
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs)February 20, 2025
Wembanyama’s diagnosis, identified as deep vein thrombosis, occurred earlier this week when he returned from the All-Star Game, according to the Spurs. This condition is generally treated with blood-thinning agents, which make participation in contact sports like basketball risky.
Athletes in contact sports are usually advised against such treatment due to the increased risk of bleeding.
As reported by Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News, the team remains hopeful for Wembanyama’s long-term recovery and his ability to return for the next season. The reigning Kia Rookie of the Year had an impressive 2023-24 season, averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.6 blocks per game over 71 games with the Spurs.
A frontrunner for the Kia Defensive Player of the Year award, Wembanyama leads the NBA in blocked shots (3.8 per game) while also averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. He has already attempted 403 three-pointers and recorded 176 blocks this season. No player in the history of the NBA has matched these numbers by the All-Star break, yet Wembanyama achieved this feat.
“I’m in shock,” said Miami forward Kevin Love upon hearing the news shortly after the Spurs made Wembanyama’s condition public. “Absolute shock.”
He made his All-Star debut last weekend, participating in the Kia Skills Challenge and the All-Star Game itself. In his All-Star debut, he scored six points and grabbed four rebounds, contributing to Chuck’s Global Stars’ victory over Kenny’s Young Stars, and later recorded 11 points and three rebounds in a 41-25 loss to Shaq’s OGs in the finals of the All-Star tournament. His absence is a major setback for the Spurs during their pursuit of a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
There have been precedents of similar situations impacting NBA players, including Hall of Famer Chris Bosh, whose career ended prematurely due to blood clots.
While some athletes have faced these challenges, others have come back even stronger after dealing with blood clots. For example, Serena Williams was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism—a clot in the lung—in 2011 and returned to dominate women’s tennis once again.
“Scariest thing I ever experienced,” Williams recounted months after her comeback.
Wembanyama is regarded as an exceptionally bright young talent in the sport.
“I read a quote where he says that nobody better call him past 9 o’clock at night because he’s either reading or asleep. I think that’s super cool. I think that’s super dope,” commented Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James over the weekend. “That shows his mindset, his intellect, and I think he’s been tremendous for the Spurs franchise. He’s going to be fantastic for our league for many years to come.”
This report includes information from The Associated Press.
