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 major health-related setback for the Spurs in recent months.
Standing at 2.21 meters, the French sensation began immediate treatment, with the Spurs optimistic about his full recovery. According to sources familiar with the matter, Wembanyama may still have the opportunity to represent France in the upcoming European Championships.
\"You can't replace Vic,\" said veteran point guard Chris Paul. \"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 we'll miss the most.\"
Wembanyama's condition, deep vein thrombosis, was identified shortly after his return from All-Star Weekend in San Francisco. The standard treatment involves blood-thinning medication, with further evaluation required.
\"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. \"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.\"
This news follows Spurs coach Gregg Popovich's stroke about three and a half months ago, with Johnson stepping in as interim coach. While Popovich's condition is improving, there is no set date for his return.
Wembanyama, the NBA's Rookie of the Year last season and a first-time All-Star, is leading the league in shot-blocking this season. He has attempted 403 three-pointers and blocked 176 shots, both unmatched by any other player at the season's midpoint. Averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, and 3.7 assists per game, Wembanyama is on pace to join Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s historic 1975-76 season numbers.
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San Antonio's Wembanyama to miss remainder of season due to blood clot
cgtn.com
