The San Antonio Spurs announced that Wembanyama’s DVT was discovered in his right shoulder after he returned from the NBA All-Star Game. The condition will sideline him for the rest of the 2024-25 season, but reports indicate the Spurs are optimistic about his return for training camp next season.
Contents
- 1 How Long Will Wembanyama Be Out?
- 2 NBA Players Who Have Suffered from Blood Clots
- 3 Brandon Ingram – A Similar Case to Wembanyama
- 4 Chris Bosh – A Cautionary Tale
- 5 Ausar Thompson – A Recent Case
- 6 Anderson Varejão – A Close Call
- 7 Mirza Teletović – A Shortened Career
- 8 Serena Williams – A Non-NBA Case That Offers Hope
How Long Will Wembanyama Be Out?
- Blood clot treatments typically take several months with blood thinners.
- Physical activity is often limited to reduce the risk of clot dislodgment.
- Recovery timelines vary, but some athletes have returned stronger after treatment, while others have faced career-ending complications.
NBA Players Who Have Suffered from Blood Clots
Brandon Ingram – A Similar Case to Wembanyama
In 2019, Brandon Ingram was diagnosed with DVT in his right shoulder, the same location as Wembanyama. Ingram, then 22 years old, was shut down for the season but made a strong comeback:
- He was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans and had a breakout season.
- Won the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award in 2020.
- Became an NBA All-Star, proving that athletes can fully recover.
Chris Bosh – A Cautionary Tale
Former Miami Heat star Chris Bosh had a more challenging experience with blood clots:
- In 2015, a clot traveled to his lungs, forcing him to miss the rest of the season.
- In 2016, another clot developed in his leg, leading to an extended medical battle.
- The NBA ultimately ruled Bosh’s condition as a career-ending illness, forcing him to retire.
Bosh’s story shows that while some players return, others are unable to continue competing due to medical risks.
Ausar Thompson – A Recent Case
In March 2024, Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson was diagnosed with a blood clot, forcing him to sit out for eight months. However, he returned in November 2024 and has since reclaimed a starting position with the Pistons.
Anderson Varejão – A Close Call
In 2013, former Cleveland Cavaliers forward Anderson Varejão was hospitalized with a blood clot in his lung. He underwent emergency surgery and was sidelined for the season. Varejão recovered and played for several more years, showing that a full recovery is possible.
Mirza Teletović – A Shortened Career
Bosnian forward Mirza Teletović suffered from multiple blood clots during his NBA career:
- Diagnosed with bilateral pulmonary emboli in 2015.
- Made a comeback but experienced a recurrence in 2017.
- Forced into early retirement in 2018.
Serena Williams – A Non-NBA Case That Offers Hope
Tennis legend Serena Williams has faced multiple blood clot episodes:
- In 2011, she suffered a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
- Despite this, she returned to win Grand Slams and continued to dominate tennis.
- In 2018, after giving birth, she developed another pulmonary embolism but recovered.
Williams’ case proves that top athletes can return from DVT and perform at an elite level.
