What is deep vein thrombosis? Spurs star Victor Wembanyama out ...

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has been dealt a tough card as he's been ruled out for the remainder of the NBA season due to a serious condition, a deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. The Spurs confirmed the news Thursday.

Wembanyama was initially listed as doubtful for the Spurs' game against the Phoenix Suns on Thursday due to an unspecified illness following his first All-Star Game appearance. The Spurs later released a statement detailing the illness and revealed that Wembanyama had suffered a blood clot in his right arm.

The absence of the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year will be keenly felt by the Spurs as he was the team's leading scorer and rebounder. The 21-year-old is averaging 24.3 points, 11 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.8 blocks this season. The Spurs, however, remain optimistic that he will be back in action for the 2026 season.

WEMBANYAMA: Spurs star to miss remainder of NBA season

What is a upper extremity deep vein thrombosis?

According to the American College of Cardiology, an upper extremity deep vein thrombosis is a condition where a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the upper arms, usually in the subclavian or axillary veins. Swelling and pain may occur, but there might be no other symptoms.

More than 200,000 cases of deep vein thrombosis occur annually in the US. While many cases can be resolved within months, it's important to note that some cases can have long-term effects, such as post-thrombotic syndrome or pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening.