The news rocked the basketball world as it was revealed that San Antonio Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama would miss the rest of the season due to a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis.
The Spurs were in the middle of a push for a play-in spot when the news hit, as they recently acquired star guard De’Aaron Fox. The affliction to Wembanyama certainly puts a damper on that goal to reach the playoffs.
Differences in Chris Bosh’s Diagnosis Compared to Victor Wembanyama
Wembanyama’s deep vein thrombosis diagnosis has led some people to reflect on the issue that led to Miami Heat legend Chris Bosh retiring from the NBA.
Bosh’s situation was severe, as he was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism back in 2015. In the four years following this, Bosh could not pass a physical; as a result, he officially retired in 2019.
There are common syndromes that can cause deep vein thrombosis as well, with thoracic outlet syndrome and Paget-Schroetter syndrome being the most common.
Despite the small similarities here with Bosh and Wembanyama, the two injuries are not exactly the same. Speaking with Sports Illustrated, UCLA vascular surgeon Hugh A. Gelabert also gave context to the common syndrome that causes deep vein thrombosis:
“Thoracic outlet syndrome can impact nerves or blood vessels, but in the case of a deep vein thrombosis caused by the syndrome, the veins become compressed, causing blood clots.”
“Paget-Schroetter Syndrome is a syndrome, where the vein that empties the arm is pinched between the collar bone and first rib.”
While Bosh suffered blood clots in his lungs due to deep vein thrombosis in his legs, Wembanyama’s issue is in his shoulder. Shoulder clots are typically lower risk and smaller, according to Sports Illustrated’s article.
Can the Spurs Push for the Playoffs Without Wembanyama
Without Wembanyama, the question is whether the Spurs can truly push for the playoffs. They got off to a good start Thursday, Feb. 20, courtesy of a 120-109 victory over the Phoenix Suns.
In the win over the Suns, De’Aaron Fox was excellent, with 26 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Chris Paul stepped up as well to finish with 13 points, five rebounds, and 10 assists. Julian Champagnie and Keldon Johnson both contributed 15 points as well in the victory.
The Spurs have a long road ahead, and games will definitely get tougher without Wembanyama. It will take a full team effort from them to make it to the next step. Time will tell how this plays out.
