When the unfortunate news of Victor Wembanyama’s season-ending blood clot emerged, I had just concluded watching the sixth and final episode of the Netflix documentary “Court of Gold.” This captivating series ends with a dramatic warning from the 21-year-old phenom, reflecting on his ambitions and future in the NBA.
Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs sensation, is poised to become the future face of the NBA. He was seen addressing reporters shortly after his French national team lost to Team USA in the gold medal game of the Paris Olympics. His emotions were palpable, yet his focus had already shifted to the promising future ahead, one that would overshadow all adversaries.
“I’m learning, and you know it’s — I’m worried for the opponents in a couple years,” Wembanyama declared. When asked if his message was directed at NBA or global opponents, he confidently replied, “Everywhere.”
The narrative, which was supposed to herald the official arrival of the Wemby era, took an unexpected turn when the Spurs announced that Wembanyama had been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. This development reversed the anticipated fears in an unwelcome manner.
Despite this setback, the Spurs remain optimistic. A team source revealed to The Athletic that Wembanyama is expected to be fully healthy and ready for training camp in October. The source noted that Wembanyama had experienced low energy in recent weeks, which initially raised concerns.
According to the renowned Cleveland Clinic, deep vein thrombosis is a “blood clot in a vein located deep within your body.” The condition can potentially cause life-threatening embolisms if the clot travels through the bloodstream. Historically, NBA players like Chris Bosh, Ausar Thompson, Brandon Ingram, and Christian Koloko have faced similar challenges, with varying outcomes.
Even with a positive long-term prognosis, uncertainty looms over Wembanyama’s future, especially given his significance to the league. The “Court of Gold” documentary highlighted that while legendary stars like Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James continue to shine, the league needs new faces to carry the torch.
Wembanyama was emerging as the frontrunner to take on this role, given his exceptional performance and global appeal. His peers, such as Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, and Luka Dončić, have faced their own challenges, leaving Wembanyama as a beacon of hope for the NBA’s future.
Wembanyama’s impact extends beyond American borders, aligning with the NBA’s recent efforts to expand internationally. His potential to lead the league into a new era was halted, but not extinguished, by his current health setback.
While the short-term implications are significant, with Wembanyama missing the 2025 playoff run alongside De’Aaron Fox and falling short of award eligibility due to game requirements, the hope is that he will return stronger. The Spurs, currently in a rebuilding phase, anticipate his comeback to bolster their performance.
In closing, there is hope that Wembanyama’s return and subsequent health will someday be celebrated in a documentary that is still decades away. His journey continues to inspire fans and athletes alike, as the NBA eagerly awaits his return to the court.
(Photo of Victor Wembanyama: Winslow Townson / Getty Images)
