Spurs shut down Victor Wembanyama over blood clot in shoulder - ESPN

AUSTIN, Texas — San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is expected to miss the remainder of the season with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, the team announced Thursday.

The Spurs said in a statement that the condition, a form of a blood clot, was discovered after Wembanyama returned to San Antonio after the All-Star Game. The condition is typically treated with blood-thinning medication, which usually precludes a player from participating in a contact sport such as basketball.

A team source told ESPN that the Spurs are optimistic that Wembanyama will make a full recovery by the beginning of the 2025-26 season.

Wembanyama, the reigning Rookie of the Year and a first-time All-Star this season, was averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and a league-leading 3.8 blocks in 46 games for the 23-29 Spurs.

«It's tough,» Spurs point 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.»

The team said in its statement that updates on Wembanyama's condition would be provided as appropriate.

«I think everybody understands that basketball is what we do and not who we are,» Paul said. «So life and everything is so much more important, but for us, we know losing a big part of our team like that is [made up for] by committee. And trust me, you can't replace Vic. 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 is what we'll miss the most."

Wembanyama will not be eligible for All-NBA, Defensive Player of the Year and other major awards because he did