Victor Wembanyama Expected to Miss Remainder of Season Due to Blood Clot

Victor Wembanyama is expected to miss the remainder of the season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder, the San Antonio Spurs announced Thursday. The condition, a form of blood clot, was discovered after Wembanyama returned from the All-Star Game. Treatment typically involves blood thinners, which generally prevent athletes from participating in contact sports.

A team source told ESPN that the Spurs are optimistic the 20-year-old center will fully recover in time for the 2025-26 season. Wembanyama had been averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and a league-leading 3.8 blocks per game over 46 appearances. His absence means he will not meet the 65-game minimum required to qualify for All-NBA, Defensive Player of the Year, and other major awards. He had been the overwhelming favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, but following the announcement, Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. became the betting favorite.

“It’s tough,” Spurs guard Chris Paul said. “Tough more than anything, I think for all of us, knowing how much he means to our team, but more so knowing how much he means to the game and how much he loves to play.”

Wembanyama’s injury marks the second major setback for the Spurs this season, following head coach Gregg Popovich’s stroke in November, which has kept him away from the team indefinitely.