San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is out for the rest of the basketball season with a blood clot, ESPN reports.
The injury, which is officially known as deep vein thrombosis, affects his right shoulder. Doctors made the diagnosis after his return from the All-Star Game in San Francisco, the Spurs said in a prepared statement.
Wembanyama’s absence is a blow to the Spurs, and may harm the team’s chances of making postseason playoffs. The Spurs’ head coach, Gregg Popovich, is also away from work while recovering from a stroke.
WHAT IS DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS?
Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in a vein, usually one of the body’s deep veins. The condition is often found in the legs, according to the Mayo Clinic.
It can be serious and should be treated right away. If not treated, blood clots can move, sometimes to the lungs, where they can cause life-threatening problems.
The treatment for deep vein thrombosis can involve blood thinner medications, surgery or compression garments, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Patients are advised not to engage in high-contact activities while taking blood thinners.
WHO IS VICTOR WEMBANYAMA?
Wembanyama, 21, brought a nearly 7’4” frame to the National Basketball Association from his native France. He was almost immediately embraced as a generational talent whose athleticism and style were described as the future of the NBA.
Experts say he is a unique player whose offensive capabilities equal his defensive ones, with excellent shooting abilities, range and grace.
He is the league’s reigning Rookie of the Year.
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