The San Antonio Spurs announced that superstar Victor Wembanyama will miss the remainder of the 2025 NBA season due to a blood clot in his right shoulder. This diagnosis, identified as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), was made following his return from the All-Star Game.
The news of Wembanyama’s season-ending condition sent ripples through the NBA community.
NBA Community Expresses Shock, Support for Wembanyama
At just 21 years old, Wembanyama had a standout season, averaging 24.3 points and 11 rebounds and leading the league with 3.8 blocks per game. His defensive talent positioned him as a frontrunner for the Defensive Player of the Year award.
The Spurs, currently holding a 23-29 record and sitting 12th in the Western Conference, now face an uphill battle for a playoff spot without their leading player.
Fans rallied behind Wembanyama, sending support and encouragement on social media.
Wishing him nothing but the best. Brandon Ingram also had this and was able to resolve it.
— Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT (@3cbPerformance) February 20, 2025
“Wishing him nothing but the best. Brandon Ingram also had this and was able to resolve it,” said Dr. Rajpal Brar.
“That’s terrible news for Victor. This means he has a blood clot and will need to be on blood thinners for at least 3 months Always important that they prevent the clot from traveling anywhere (heart/lungs/brain) This is what derailed career of Chris Bosh but doesn’t mean it will for Victor,” added Dr. Evan Jeffries.
That’s terrible news for Victor. This means he has a blood clot and will need to be on blood thinners for at least 3 months
Always important that they prevent the clot from traveling anywhere (heart/lungs/brain)
This is what derailed career of Chris Bosh but doesn’t mean it…
— Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT (@GameInjuryDoc) February 20, 2025
“DVT is a serious condition man… praying for Wemby and his circle on getting this figured out!” another fan commented.
This is genuinely one of the worst things that could happen to basketball.
I am praying that Wemby is able to fully recover. This is horrible news & I hope it’s not as serious as Chris Bosh’s case was.
— MB (@AverageSavageMB) February 20, 2025
“This is genuinely one of the worst things that could happen to basketball,” a fan added. “I am praying that Wemby is able to fully recover. This is horrible news & I hope it’s not as serious as Chris Bosh’s case was.”
“every time i hear ‘blood clots’ i think of Chris Bosh and how it forced him to end his career prayers up to Wemby man hopefully he comes back stronger 🙏🏾❤️” added another fan.
As someone who has dealt with deep vein thrombosis in the shoulder, Victor Wembanyama is very fortunate that this was discovered before becoming a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) February 20, 2025
“As someone who has dealt with deep vein thrombosis in the shoulder, Victor Wembanyama is very fortunate that this was discovered before becoming a life-threatening pulmonary embolism,” said PFSN’s deputy editor Alex Kennedy.
The reason a player can’t play if they have a DVT or blood-clotting disorder is because the NBA deems it too risky for an athlete to play while on blood-thinners.
Some players, like Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram, have an isolated incident and no longer require medication. For former Miami Heat star Chris Bosh, recurring problems with blood clots forced him to retire in 2017.
Fortunate condition was identified. DVT — deep vein thrombosis — can be aggraveted by flying etc. Chris Bosh had recurring problems w/ blood clots, including one that travelled to his lungs. He ultimately had to retire. Others — Christian Koloko, for example — have returned. https://t.co/XZsfmu1RPA
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) February 20, 2025
With Wembanyama sidelined, the Spurs’ prospects for the remainder of the season took a hit. The team is 3.5 games behind the final playoff spot, and the absence of their star player could affect their performance.
The situation could also impact their position in the upcoming NBA Draft lottery, potentially improving their chances of securing a top pick in a draft class featuring prospects like Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, and Dylan Harper.
MORE: Latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft
The Spurs organization has expressed optimism regarding Wembanyama’s recovery.
Reporting for @SportsCenter on Victor Wembanyama sidelined for the season with what the Spurs believe is an isolated blood clot and will bring full recovery: pic.twitter.com/BWOOJXYl6C
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 20, 2025
A team source told ESPN that the Spurs are confident that Wembanyama will fully recover by the beginning of the 2025-26 season.
As the NBA community processes the shocking news, the focus remains on Wembanyama’s health and well-being. His impressive performances this season have solidified his status as one of the league’s most promising young talents.
