Wembanyama's Season-Ending Injury Deals Blow to Spurs' Playoff Aspirations

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama will miss the remainder of the NBA season due to a blood clot in his right shoulder, dealing a significant blow to the team's playoff hopes.

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season due to a blood clot in his right shoulder, the team announced on Thursday. The 21-year-old French player was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis after returning to San Antonio following last Sunday's All-Star game in San Francisco.

The Spurs released a statement confirming Wembanyama's diagnosis and expected absence from the remainder of the season. “Wembanyama is expected to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 regular season,” the team stated. “The team will provide updates as appropriate.”

Wembanyama's premature exit from the season brings an end to another outstanding campaign. Last season's Rookie of the Year, who was selected first overall in the NBA draft, was averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and a league-best 3.8 blocks in 46 games for the Spurs this season. The 7-foot-3 star had also become an All-Star for the first time, chosen as a reserve.

Victor Wembanyama showcased his exceptional skills in the NBA All-Star Game, delivering a standout performance for the team of global All-Stars selected by Charles Barkley. Although his team ultimately fell to the veteran team led by Stephen Curry, Wembanyama's determination and intensity caught the attention of Curry, who earned All-Star Most Valuable Player honors.

Curry was impressed by Wembanyama's attitude and display of unique skills throughout the mid-season exhibition. “He took the NBA All-Star Game seriously,” Curry said. “He was showing his unique skill set all across the board.” This praise from Curry highlights Wembanyama's growing reputation as a dedicated and talented player in the league.

Wembanyama's season has included several notable moments, including a trip to his home country of France, where the Spurs played two games against the Indiana Pacers in Paris. Just a year and a half ago, Wembanyama was playing in the French league before being selected as the number one pick in the 2023 NBA draft, setting him on the path to global stardom.

Wembanyama's achievements extend beyond the NBA, as he helped France secure the silver medal at last year's Paris Olympics. In the final, France fell to the United States, but Wembanyama's performance on the international stage further solidified his reputation as a rising star in the basketball world.

Although the San Antonio Spurs' announcement on Thursday left open the possibility of Victor Wembanyama's return for the playoffs, the team's chances of reaching the postseason without him appear bleak. Currently sitting in 12th place in the Western Conference, the Spurs are two spots away from the final play-in berth, which is currently held by the Golden State Warriors.

Breaking: Victor Wembanyama is expected to miss the remainder of the season with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, the Spurs announced. pic.twitter.com/WnvCRd04qd

— ESPN (@espn) February 20, 2025

The Spurs' prospects have been further complicated by Wembanyama's absence, despite the recent acquisition of high-scoring guard De'Aaron Fox from Sacramento at the trade deadline. Without their cornerstone player, who was a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year, the Spurs will likely struggle to remain competitive. Wembanyama's season-ending injury also means he will fall short of the required number of games to be eligible for major end-of-season awards.

However, there is a possibility that Wembanyama could recover in time to represent France in Euro 2025, scheduled to take place from August 27 to September 14 in Latvia, Cyprus, Finland, and Poland. In January, French Basketball Federation President Jean-Pierre Hunckler expressed optimism about Wembanyama's availability, stating that he expected the young star to be ready, barring any further injuries.