The San Antonio Spurs have shut superstar big man Victor Wembanyama down following a concerning diagnosis.

According to ESPN, the reigning Rookie of the Year will miss the remainder of the season due to the discovery of a blood clot in his right shoulder.

“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 outlet reported.

The Spurs revealed that the clot was discovered after the player returned to San Antonio after the weekend’s All-Star activities.

ESPN also cites a team source who told them Wembanyama is expected to make a full recovery by the start of the 2025/26 NBA season.

Wembanyama was a first-time All-Star this season and was averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while leading the league in blocks with 3.8 per game.

Victor Wembanyama in Spurs uniform
Victor Wembanyama (Photo via Reggie Hildred/Imagn Images)

The Spurs, who went 23-29 with a healthy Wemby on the roster, will rue this late development.

“It’s tough,” teammate 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.”

Victor Wembanyama Ineligible For NBA Seasonal Awards

 

Feb 10, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) and guard De’Aaron Fox (4) react during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

The Frenchman played 46 games for San Antonio this season and will not be eligible for the All-NBA, Defensive Player of the Year, and other awards because of the 65-game minimum the league set. He had been a favorite to win the DPOY this year.

“I think everybody understands that basketball is what we do and not who we are,” Paul added. “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.”

Victor Wembanyama’s exit comes as a second huge blow to the Spurs, who are without head coach Gregg Popovich, who has had to take an indefinite leave of absence due to a stroke.