The San Antonio Spurs have announced that rising star Victor Wembanyama will miss the remainder of the NBA season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder.
Victor Wembanyama’s injury was identified following his return to San Antonio after the All-Star break in San Francisco.
In his second NBA season, the 21-year-old French phenom has been a standout performer, averaging an impressive 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.8 blocks per game over 46 contests. Wembanyama, often nicknamed “Wemby” or “The Alien,” had emerged as a strong contender for All-NBA honours and the coveted Defensive Player of the Year award.
Unfortunately, the injury means Wembanyama will not meet the NBA’s minimum requirement of 65 games played to qualify for these prestigious accolades. As a result, another player is expected to take his place in the race for these honours.
Standing at 7’4″, Wembanyama was the Spurs’ first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and has been one of the most highly anticipated prospects in recent basketball history. His unique combination of size, skill, and athleticism has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s all-time greats.
While this setback undoubtedly disappoints Wembanyama and Spurs fans, the focus will now shift to his recovery and rehabilitation. The Spurs organization has not yet provided a timeline for his return, but ensuring his long-term health will be the top priority.