The San Antonio Spurs have confirmed that rising star Victor Wembanyama will be sidelined for the remainder of the NBA regular season after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder. The condition was discovered when Wembanyama returned to San Antonio following the All-Star Game.
This announcement has raised many questions regarding the severity of the condition and Wembanyama’s long-term recovery. However, he is not the first athlete to face such health challenges. NBA players, including Chris Bosh, Brandon Ingram, and Ausar Thompson, have previously experienced similar medical issues, offering a glimpse into how these conditions can impact a player’s career.
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?
Deep vein thrombosis is a medical condition where a blood clot forms in a vein deep within the body, most often in the legs. However, the clot can also develop in other veins, such as those in the arms, pelvis, or even the shoulders, as in Wembanyama’s case.
The primary risk associated with DVT is that a clot may break loose and travel through the bloodstream. If the clot reaches the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal condition that blocks blood flow to the lungs.
While DVT is more common in older individuals or those who lead sedentary lifestyles, it can affect athletes like Wembanyama, who is just 21 years old. Symptoms often include pain and swelling in the affected area, which is typically how the condition is diagnosed.
Blood thinners are commonly used to treat DVT, but the process of dissolving the clot can take months. As a result, Wembanyama is expected to miss a significant portion of the year, potentially longer, during his recovery.
Athletes who faced similar challenges
Blood clots, including DVT and pulmonary embolism, are not unheard of in the world of professional sports, particularly in the NBA. Several players have experienced such conditions, with varying outcomes in terms of recovery and career progression.
Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram shares a similar experience with Wembanyama. In 2019, Ingram was diagnosed with DVT in his right shoulder, forcing him to miss the remainder of the 2018-2019 NBA season. At the time, he was 22 years old. However, the condition did not hinder his career; Ingram went on to enjoy a breakout 2019-2020 season, earning his first All-Star selection and winning the NBA's Most Improved Player award.
Chris Bosh
Chris Bosh’s experience with blood clots is one of the most notable cases in NBA history. Bosh, a two-time NBA champion, was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs and legs during his final years with the Miami Heat. In 2017, at the age of 31, he was forced into early retirement after failing a physical due to recurring blood clot issues. Despite his premature retirement, the Heat honored him by retiring his jersey in 2019.
Ausar Thompson
Another young player, Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson, was diagnosed with a blood clot in March 2024. Thompson missed eight months but made a successful return to the court in November. Since his comeback, Thompson has been a key contributor for the Pistons, starting in 22 games and averaging 9.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
Other notable cases in sports
Several other athletes have faced similar challenges, each with different outcomes. Brazilian forward Anderson Varejao missed the 2012-2013 NBA season after a pulmonary embolism was discovered in his left lung, but he eventually returned to the court. Similarly, former NBA player Mirza Teletović retired prematurely due to recurring pulmonary emboli.
Tennis icon Serena Williams, while not a basketball player, is perhaps one of the most inspiring stories. Williams has battled multiple blood clots throughout her career, including a near-fatal pulmonary embolism in 2011. Despite these challenges, she returned to the sport and went on to win several more Grand Slam titles before retiring in 2022.
As Victor Wembanyama embarks on his recovery, his condition serves as a reminder of the risks athletes face, even those in peak physical condition. The hope is that, like many before him, Wembanyama will return to the game stronger than ever.