Feb 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; San Antonio Spurs middle Victor Wembanyama (1) in motion towards the Atlanta Hawks within the fourth quarter at State Farm Area. Obligatory Credit score: Brett Davis-Imagn Photos
Tyronn Lue and Doc Rivers mentioned they had been saddened. Michael Malone and Erik Spoelstra had been shocked after they heard the information.
Victor Wembanyama being recognized with deep vein thrombosis in his proper shoulder was an apparent blow to the San Antonio Spurs. However as different coaches and gamers processed the information on Thursday, it was clear that it was seen as a blow to the league as nicely.
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“It’s a little bit little bit of shock,” mentioned Malone, the coach of the Denver Nuggets. “As a fan of the sport, you by no means wish to see anyone, any participant — however particularly an awesome participant, the way forward for this league — be shut down for the remaining season. So, you hate to see that occur to anyone. And hopefully Wemby goes to be OK.”
READ: Wembanyama’s NBA season is over. What’s subsequent for Spurs star?
That’s the Spurs’ perception, that Wembanyama will make a full restoration although he’s not anticipated to play once more this season. He was the favourite to win defensive participant of the 12 months, appeared destined for an All-NBA nod and doubtless would have even been on a number of MVP ballots when the votes are solid in April.
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All of it resulted in a flash, with the analysis of a blood clot in his proper shoulder and the Spurs — who’re already with out coach Gregg Popovich due to the stroke he had in November — saying Wembanyama’s season is probably going over.
Feb 15, 2025; Oakland, CA, USA; Chuck’s World Stars ahead Victor Wembanyama (1) of the San Antonio Spurs stands on the courtroom through the NBA All Star-Apply at Oracle Area. Obligatory Credit score: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Photos
The information got here simply as Miami was ending apply Thursday. Spoelstra was in disbelief when he heard and Warmth ahead Kevin Love was surprised.
“I can’t think about this league with out him within the quick time period or in the long run,” Love mentioned. “He’s that necessary.”
Wembanyama is wildly widespread in San Antonio, clearly in his native France and even amongst NBA enjoying colleagues. He was fourth in participant voting for the All-Star crew amongst Western Convention frontcourt gamers, behind solely Nikola Jokic, LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
READ: Wembanyama anticipated to overlook remainder of season with blood clot
“It’s unlucky to see it occur to such a younger participant, to see it occur to a man that’s a transcendent expertise in our league,” Charlotte coach Charles Lee mentioned. “It’s occurred to different folks. I’ve seen that they’ve been capable of come again and proceed their careers. And so, wishing him and the Spurs group one of the best as he type of goes by way of his remedy plans.”
Lue mentioned he thought the NBA was fairly united within the easy thought that everybody throughout the league simply needs to see Wembanyama return wholesome.
“Unhappy information as we speak. Such an awesome participant, a man who’s meant a lot to the league since he’s gotten right here,” mentioned Lue, the Los Angeles Clippers coach. “It’s simply robust information. Hopefully every thing works out. Prayers across the league. I do know numerous gamers and coaches within the NBA household (are) simply hoping he can get nicely.”
Numerous gamers within the final decade or so have had well-publicized battles with blood clots. Chris Bosh needed to abandon the ultimate years of his enjoying profession in Miami due to them; different gamers like Brandon Ingram have come again wholesome after remedy.
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“I’m simply hoping he’s wholesome long-term,” mentioned Rivers, the Milwaukee Bucks coach. “Blood clots are severe stuff. … I simply hope he will get again, will get wholesome, and I’m positive they’ll make certain of that.”