Victor Wembanyama’s season is over due to a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, which will require him to rest and recover for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. The 21-year-old Spurs star has been one of the top players in the league this season, ranking first in blocks per game and second in most miles traveled.
The timing of Wembanyama’s diagnosis is eerily similar to that of Chris Bosh, who suffered blood clots in his legs that forced him to end his career at age 31. However, there is a key difference between the two cases: Bosh’s blood clots were found in his lungs, not his shoulders.
According to Dr. Brian Sutterer, one of the most well-known sports injury doctors, Wembanyama’s frequent flying may have been a risk factor for his condition. But Sutterer believes that the anatomy and repetitive motion of Wembanyama’s arm are more likely causes of the blood clot in his shoulder.
Ingram, another slender star who underwent thoracic outlet decompression surgery due to a similar condition, offers a best-case scenario for Wembanyama. Ingram has averaged 23 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists since his diagnosis and procedure, without any recurrences of the blood clots.
The Spurs are optimistic that Wembanyama will make a full recovery and be ready for next season. With his size being an increased risk factor for venous thromboembolism, it’s essential to monitor his health closely. While Wembanyama’s case is not directly related to NBA travel, it serves as a reminder of the potential health issues that 7-footers face.
The NBA’s extensive travel schedule has raised concerns about the impact on players’ health. As Ingram showed that with the right treatment and attention to detail, players can make a successful recovery and continue to excel on the court, Wembanyama’s case offers hope for his future.
Source: https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/why-victor-wembanyamas-scary-diagnosis-is-different-than-the-one-chris-bosh-faced-162647599.html