San Antonio Spurs prodigy Victor Wembanyama will miss the remainder of the NBA season due to a life-threatening deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder, a condition discovered shortly after the All-Star Game. The diagnosis, if left undetected, could have had fatal consequences.

A Diagnosis That Saved His Life

The Spurs announced the alarming news on Thursday, revealing that the blood clot was identified within 24 to 48 hours after Wembanyama returned to San Antonio following the All-Star break. Initially believed to be manageable with anticoagulants, further tests revealed the clot’s severity.

Dr. Brian Sutterer, a sports medicine specialist, emphasized the life-threatening risk:

“The clot could have traveled to his lungs and killed him. I’m genuinely impressed that Spurs' medical staff found it so quickly,” Sutterer told Yahoo Sports.

The doctor also highlighted that tall basketball players like Wembanyama (2.24 meters) are more prone to such issues due to their unique anatomy and repetitive overhead movements.

“In the arm, it’s likely due to his anatomy and repetitive motion. Constant overhead actions—like shooting—can trigger thoracic outlet syndrome, which leads to clots,” Sutterer explained.

NBA's History with Blood Clots: Hope for Wembanyama

This isn’t the first time the NBA has dealt with serious blood clot cases:

• Brandon Ingram (2019): Diagnosed with a shoulder clot while playing for the Lakers, Ingram required surgery to remove part of a rib compressing the vein. He made a full recovery and now plays for the Toronto Raptors.
• Pete Mickeal (2011 & 2013): The former FC Barcelona player suffered pulmonary embolisms but successfully returned to professional basketball before retiring in 2017.

The Spurs remain optimistic about Wembanyama’s recovery, aiming for a full return by the start of the 2025-26 NBA season.

Spurs’ Season Shattered: Focus Shifts to Recovery

Wembanyama’s injury doesn’t just sideline the young star—it also upends the Spurs’ strategic plans. The team recently acquired De'Aaron Fox, envisioning a dynamic duo with Wembanyama leading the franchise.

Now, the Spurs' primary focus is Wembanyama’s health. The medical team is committed to ensuring he makes a complete and safe recovery, with no lingering risks.

The early diagnosis proved crucial in preventing a potential tragedy. While Wembanyama’s season is over, the long-term outlook remains positive, offering hope for a strong comeback in 2025.