On Thursday, the San Antonio Spurs shared some concerning health news regarding their rising star, Victor Wembanyama. The center has been sidelined for the remainder of the regular season due to a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder. This diagnosis came to light when Wembanyama returned to San Antonio following the recent All-Star Game event.
The revelation raises many questions about his condition and the time needed for recovery. Deep vein thrombosis is a serious medical condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often in the legs, but it can also affect other areas, including the arms, pelvis, and shoulders. The major risk associated with DVT is that the clot could break loose and travel through the bloodstream, potentially leading to a pulmonary embolism—a condition where a clot lodges in the lungs and obstructs blood flow.
While DVT typically affects older adults or those with a sedentary lifestyle, it is important to note that it can occur in young, active individuals as well. Wembanyama, at just 21 years old, certainly does not fit the usual profile. Symptoms may include pain and swelling in the affected area, which often leads to the discovery of the clot. Treatment usually involves blood thinners, and recovery can take considerable time, meaning Wembanyama’s absence could extend for several months or more.
Throughout sports history, several athletes have battled similar medical issues, providing a glimpse into what Wembanyama might face moving forward. Notable NBA players like Chris Bosh, Brandon Ingram, and Ausar Thompson have encountered blood clot-related conditions, each with different outcomes and recovery experiences.
Brandon Ingram is one athlete with a closely related medical history. In March 2019, he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, causing him to miss the rest of the 2018-2019 season. The setback, however, did not hinder his career. Ingram later joined the New Orleans Pelicans, where he had a breakout season, achieving career-high averages in multiple categories and earning the title of NBA’s Most Improved Player.
Another prominent case is that of Chris Bosh. The two-time NBA champion and 11-time All-Star faced severe complications from blood clots in the latter part of his career. His struggles intensified when a clot traveled from his leg to his lungs, ultimately leading to his retirement from basketball at the age of 31. Bosh’s situation highlights the serious nature of blood clots and their potential to significantly shorten an athlete’s career. He was forced to retire in 2017 after repeated health setbacks, which deeply affected his life and career.
Similarly, Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons was diagnosed with a blood clot in March 2024, requiring him to miss eight months of play. Fortunately, Thompson successfully returned to the court and has managed to excel, showing that a comeback is possible after such diagnoses.
Brazilian forward Anderson Varejão is another example, having faced a life-threatening blood clot in his left lung during his career. After undergoing surgery, he was able to return to the game and continued to play for several more seasons before retiring in 2021.
Mirza Teletović, who played for the Brooklyn Nets, experienced a serious incident involving multiple clots in his lungs, ultimately leading to his retirement from the NBA due to recurring health issues.
While these stories can be discouraging, there are also stories of hope, such as that of tennis legend Serena Williams. Her recovery from multiple blood clots and subsequent return to top-level competition serves as an inspiration for athletes like Wembanyama navigating similar challenges.
As the Spurs and their fans await Wembanyama’s recovery journey, they remain hopeful that he will overcome this health hurdle and shine on the court once again in the future. The team will likely emphasize proper treatment and rehabilitation, allowing the young star to focus on his health and long-term career.
