Feb 5, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; San Antonio Spurs heart Victor Wembanyama (1) in motion in opposition to the Atlanta Hawks within the fourth quarter at State Farm Area. Necessary Credit score: Brett Davis-Imagn Pictures
Tyronn Lue and Doc Rivers stated they had been saddened. Michael Malone and Erik Spoelstra had been shocked once they heard the information.
Victor Wembanyama being identified 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 bit of little bit of shock,” stated 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 ideal 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 though he isn’t anticipated to play once more this season. He was the favourite to win defensive participant of the yr, appeared destined for an All-NBA nod and possibly would have even been on just a few 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 court docket in the course of the NBA All Star-Apply at Oracle Area. Necessary Credit score: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Pictures
The information got here simply as Miami was ending follow 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 brief time period or in the long run,” Love stated. “He’s that essential.”
Wembanyama is wildly widespread in San Antonio, clearly in his native France and even amongst NBA taking part in colleagues. He was fourth in participant voting for the All-Star staff 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 stated. “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 the very best as he sort of goes by way of his therapy plans.”
Lue stated 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 at the moment. Such an ideal participant, a man who’s meant a lot to the league since he’s gotten right here,” stated Lue, the Los Angeles Clippers coach. “It’s simply powerful information. Hopefully the whole lot works out. Prayers across the league. I do know plenty of gamers and coaches within the NBA household (are) simply hoping he can get nicely.”
Various 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 taking part in profession in Miami due to them; different gamers like Brandon Ingram have come again wholesome after therapy.
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“I’m simply hoping he’s wholesome long-term,” stated Rivers, the Milwaukee Bucks coach. “Blood clots are severe stuff. … I simply hope he will get again, will get wholesome, and I’m certain they’ll ensure of that.”
