Victor Wembanyama’s rookie NBA season ended abruptly this week after a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) diagnosis in his right shoulder. The San Antonio Spurs confirmed the 7-foot-3 French phenom will miss the remainder of the season but emphasized their medical team expects a full recovery.
Acting Spurs coach Mitch Johnson revealed Wembanyama’s determination to return:
He loves competing. You saw his fire at All-Star Weekend – finishing strong with his teammates mattered to him.Medical experts note upper-body DVTs like Wembanyama’s often stem from vascular compression rather than genetic factors. Unlike leg clots that risk pulmonary embolism, shoulder DVTs may resolve faster through targeted treatment like rib removal surgery.
Teammates and rivals rallied around the No. 1 draft pick:
- De’Aaron Fox: Health comes first – period
- Kevin Durant: The whole basketball world’s rooting for his comeback
- Chris Paul: This wasn’t the plan, but Vic’s our future
Wembanyama’s historic stat line (24.3 PPG, 11 RPG, 3.8 BPG) made him a Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner. His absence creates roster challenges for the 23-49 Spurs, now 14th in the West. France’s basketball federation director Boris Diaw declined to speculate on EuroBasket participation, stressing recovery as the priority.
Historical examples show varied DVT outcomes:
Serena Williams won Grand Slams post-clotting, while Chris Bosh retired early. Sports cardiologist Dr. Jonathan Kim explains: Shoulder DVTS demand MRI-guided treatment plans. Many athletes return stronger – especially 19-year-olds with Spurs-level care.
All eyes now focus on August’s European Championships. Wembanyama told French media last year: Representing my country fuels me.If cleared, the tournament could mark his electrifying return to the court.
