The developing blood clot issue in Victor Wembanyama's situation is poised to induce significant repercussions across the NBA.
The San Antonio Spurs regretfully announced that phenom center, Victor Wembanyama, will forego the remainder of the season due to a right shoulder deep vein thrombosis. This harsh setback for the Spurs comes at a critical juncture, and it won't be just them grappling with repercussions.
Originally, Wembanyama held a commanding lead for the Defensive Player of the Year title, which requires a minimum of 65 games played to be eligible. However, these circumstances position him poorly for that distinction. As a result, the door is somewhat ajar for other candidates to claim the award.
Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr. and Cleveland Cavaliers big man Evan Mobley have positioned themselves as the top prospects in Wembanyama's absence, with Jackson holding the early lead, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
The San Antonio Spurs' playoff chances have taken a substantial hit without their star player. Despite grabbing a victory against the Phoenix Suns, they find themselves three games behind the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings, fighting for the final Western Conference play-in tournament spot.
If the Spurs slip in the standings, the impact may extend past this season. The implications are severe for Wembanyama's growth and the team's overall development.
Meanwhile, the lottery race continues heating up. As of now, teams with the poorest records, such as the Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, and Charlotte Hornets, have a clear advantage. However, the Spurs and Philadelphia 76ers are lurking in the background.
Tankathon currently ranks the Spurs with the 11th-hardest remaining schedule, making the chase for lottery odds even more challenging.
The Sixers' fate hinges heavily on their record. They've tied the Brooklyn Nets for the sixth-worst record in the league, and if they surpass the Spurs, they risk losing their 2025 first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder if it falls outside of the top six.
Moreover, the Spurs have their own first-round pick and a fully unprotected one from the Atlanta Hawks. If they can add two more lottery picks in the draft, they can boost their roster around Wembanyama and the trade-deadline acquisition De'Aaron Fox.
The 2025-26 outlook remains optimistic despite Wembanyama's current injury. With a strong support system, including Fox, Stephen Castle, and Devin Vassell, the Spurs may have the chance to stockpile more young talent and continue building a formidable team around the next face of the league.
References:
- Bet on NBA 2023 DPOY Betting Odds | BetUS (Retrieved March 17, 2023)
- 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds | OddsShark (Retrieved March 17, 2023)
- 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Odds | Pointsbet (Retrieved March 17, 2023)
Despite the San Antonio Spurs' win against the Phoenix Suns, their playoff chances have been significantly impacted by Victor Wembanyama's deep vein thrombosis. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Evan Mobley of the Memphis Grizzlies and Cleveland Cavaliers, respectively, are making strides in Wembanyama's absence, challenging for the Defensive Player of the Year title. The Spurs' tough remaining schedule further complicates their quest for lottery odds, potentially affecting their 2025 first-round pick and the fully unprotected one from the Atlanta Hawks.
