The San Antonio Spurs have confirmed Victor Wembanyama has a blood clot in his right shoulder, likely ruling him out for the rest of the season.
The Spurs centre was a top contender for Defensive Player of the Year before his deep vein thrombosis diagnosis.
“The condition was discovered when Wembanya returned to San Antonio following the All-Star Game in San Francisco,” the Spurs' statement read.
“Wembanya is expected to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 regular season.”
The seven-foot-three star is irreplaceable for the team, Spurs guard Chris Paul told reporters.
“I can't stand on a guy's shoulders and block every shot that comes to the rim,” Paul said.
“Aside from his basketball ability, his charisma and what he brings into the locker room, I think, is what we'll miss the most.”
Adding to the Spurs' misfortune, coach Gregg Popovich suffered a stroke earlier in the season and has yet to return to the bench.
Despite being 3.5 games out of a playoff spot, Wembanya's development will likely see the team's playoff odds fall away.
