San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama, the NBA’s 2024 Rookie of the Year, has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder, ending his 2024–25 season. The condition was identified shortly after his return from the NBA All-Star break, when he reported unusual symptoms. Tests confirmed the presence of a blood clot.
Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama Injury Record & Recovery
Concerns over Victor Wembanyama’s injury record as physical durability have followed him since before his NBA debut. At 7-foot-4, the French center’s towering frame sparked early questions about injury risk. Prior to joining the league, Wembanyama had already dealt with a fractured fibula, a broken finger, muscle strains, and a bone contusion. Even so, he managed to play 71 games as a rookie—most under a minutes cap or with scheduled rest.
Re: Victor Wembanyama
— Dr. Evan Jeffries, DPT (@GameInjuryDoc) February 20, 2025
Two NBA players have had upper extremity DVT’s
Brandon Ingram (2019): missed rest of season and recovered to play next year
Ausar Thompson (2024) Had season ending blood clot but returned this year
This is not the end for Victor but will need to be… pic.twitter.com/izj4YYKXGm
Victor Wembanyama Injury: What is the Diagnosis?
Wembanyama’s diagnosis—upper extremity DVT—is rare but dangerous. Most clots form in the legs, but when they occur in the shoulder or arm, especially in athletes, it’s known as effort thrombosis or Paget-Schroetter Syndrome. The risk lies in the clot’s potential to dislodge and travel to vital organs. A pulmonary embolism, where a clot blocks blood flow in the lungs, can be fatal.
According to Bein Sports, sports medicine expert Dr. Brian Sutterer highlighted the urgency: had the clot gone undetected, it could have reached Wembanyama’s lungs and become life-threatening. The Spurs’ swift medical response may have averted a crisis.
Does Wembanyama Have Marfan Syndrome?
Speculation around connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome, has long shadowed Wembanyama due to his build. However, team doctors and outside experts have found no evidence to suggest Marfan or any similar condition is a factor in his injuries or the clot, per Sports Injury Central.
Is Victor Wembanyama’s Career Over?
Not at this point. While the clot is serious and has sidelined Wembanyama for the season, both team officials and medical consultants expect a full recovery in time for the 2025–26 campaign. Treatment typically involves blood thinners, which restrict physical contact and strenuous movement. Athletes with upper-body DVT often undergo testing for causes like thoracic outlet syndrome—a narrowing of the space where blood vessels pass between the collarbone and rib, which may require surgical correction.
Brandon Ingram suffered a similar clot and returned to become an All-Star
Toronto Raptors small forward Brandon Ingram suffered a similar clot in 2019 and returned to become an All-Star. Ausar Thompson recently returned from DVT treatment as well. Chris Bosh’s career was derailed by recurring clots, but doctors believe Wembanyama’s case is more straightforward and isolated.
Wembanyama has acknowledged that EuroBasket 2025 may be out of reach but said he’s already resumed controlled basketball activity.
I don’t know if it’s realistic; there are a lot of uncertainties. I obviously want to play in every competition with the French team.
Wembanyama said, according to SI.
For the first time since undergoing surgery to address his DVT (blood clot) Victor Wembanyama met with reporters today. An Update on his progress here. pic.twitter.com/fwWGfB1mB6
— Don Harris (@DonHarris4) April 13, 2025
Studies show athletes with upper extremity DVT miss an average of 4.3 months.
The bottom line: Victor Wembanyama faces a significant medical challenge, but not a career-defining one.
READ: 15 Top Devastating NBA Playoff Injuries in History
I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
