In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, San Antonio Spurs’ phenomenal rookie Victor Wembanyama has been sidelined for the remainder of the regular season due to a blood clot discovery. The 7-foot-3 sensation, who has been rewriting the record books in his debut season, was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder following his return from the All-Star Game.
Medical condition and implications
The Spurs organization announced Thursday that Wembanyama’s condition will require blood-thinning medication, which effectively rules out his participation in contact sports like basketball. This medical setback comes as a significant blow to the Spurs, who are currently in the hunt for a playoff position in the Western Conference.
This marks the second major setback for the Spurs this season, following head coach Gregg Popovich’s stroke in November that has kept him away from the sidelines.
Record-breaking rookie season cut short
Before this unfortunate diagnosis, Wembanyama was putting together a historic season that had him leading the race for Defensive Player of the Year, following his Rookie of the Year campaign. His statistical achievements have been unprecedented – he has already attempted 403 three-pointers while recording 176 blocked shots, a combination never before achieved in NBA history in a complete season, let alone by the All-Star break.
His season averages of 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, and 3.7 assists put him in elite company. Only NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has managed to maintain such impressive numbers across an entire season, achieving this feat in 1975-76.
The news of Wembanyama’s condition has stunned the basketball community. Miami Heat forward Kevin Love expressed his disbelief, stating, “I’m in shock. Absolute shock.”
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