Victor Wembanyama will not be returning to the court this NBA season due to having deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. The Rookie of the Year forward’s absence comes during a tumultuous time for the San Antonio Spurs. Coach Gregg Popovich is out indefinitely due to a stroke experienced in November, and the team’s five-year playoff drought is now likely to extend into a sixth season. The Spurs’ path forward should focus on the continued rebuild.
Since the great dynasty of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker came to an end when Duncan retired in 2016, the Spurs have been looking for answers to their prayers of a championship. It seemed as if they had found the solution in a 19-year-old Wembanyama. However, a 22-60 record for the Frenchman’s first season proved that he alone could not bring a championship to the Alamo City — he would simply be the foundation.
The Spurs have fared better in the 2024-25 season. Wembanyama improved his game and was not limited by any minutes restrictions in his second season. He averaged 3.8 blocks and shot 35.2% from beyond the three-point line. Both stats are improvements from his rookie season. Along with a developing Wembanyama, the 2025 trade deadline brought former Sacramento Kings guard De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs. The addition of Fox will provide the generational talent Wembanyama with some backcourt help and speed. The season was looking bright for the Spurs, as they hoped to clinch a play-in spot for the playoffs. However, without the big man, the team must rely on a smaller rotation, and their playoff chances have nearly vanished.
Since Wembanyama’s departure, the Spurs have gone 2-5, beating the Phoenix Suns and eking out a late victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. With the team sitting at 12th in the Western Conference and without Wembanyama at the helm, a spot in the playoffs is highly unlikely.
According to interim coach Mitch Johnson, medical officials have confirmed that Wembanyama will not experience any long-term health implications from the clotting and if nothing else arises, he will return next season. In the meantime, the Spurs must capitalize on their low standing to ensure Wembanyama has the support he needs. If the Spurs drop down to the eighth seed, their chances of being first to pick would double. In addition to their own draft pick, the Spurs also own the Atlanta Hawks’ first round-pick, who are slated to pick 12th in the draft.
With no realistic path to the NBA Finals, the Spurs must not be afraid to look bad on the court, as it will play to their advantage. This year’s battle is over, but the “race for seis” must continue.
