The San Antonio Spurs are dealing with a significant setback as their standout player, Victor Wembanyama, will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2024-25 season due to a form of blood clot in his shoulder. This unfortunate news was announced by the team on February 20, following Wembanyama’s participation in the NBA All-Star Weekend.

After an impressive rookie campaign and leading France to a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Wembanyama had high expectations entering his second year in the league. He was living up to the hype, averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 3.8 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game in 46 outings before the All-Star break.

The Spurs are optimistic that Wembanyama will make a full recovery in time for the next season. However, his absence is a significant blow to the team. Despite their current record of 23-29 and being just 3.5 games out of a Play-In Tournament spot, the addition of De’Aaron Fox and the team’s potential playoff push have been impacted by Wembanyama’s absence.

It is vital for the Spurs to prioritize Wembanyama’s long-term health, especially given their position in the competitive Western Conference. While the team may not be title contenders this season, the setback is disheartening for both the organization and basketball enthusiasts eagerly following the ascent of one of the league’s most promising young talents.