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Victor Wembanyama`s injury sidelines him for the season, impacting the Spurs` playoff hopes and draft strategy.

Victor Wembanyama has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, leading to his shutdown for the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season. The 21-year-old French phenom was enjoying a stellar sophomore year, averaging 24.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 3.8 blocks per game. His absence is a significant setback for the San Antonio Spurs, who currently sit at 24-31 and are struggling in the 12th seed of the Western Conference.

With Wembanyama sidelined, the Spurs have lost two consecutive games and face a daunting schedule ahead. The team had shown promise with Wembanyama and De`Aaron Fox leading the charge, but now they must navigate an uphill battle to secure a Play-In Tournament berth. Speculation is growing that the Spurs may shift their focus toward improving their draft position for the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft, which is expected to be one of the deepest in recent years. Currently, they hold a 4.5 percent chance of landing the number one pick, with prospects like Cooper Flagg from Duke generating considerable buzz.

Additionally, Wembanyama`s injury affects the Defensive Player of the Year race, as he will not meet the minimum 65-game threshold for eligibility, leaving Jaren Jackson Jr. as the new favorite. The NBA community is expressing concern for Wembanyama`s health and disappointment in missing out on his continued development this season. The Spurs organization remains optimistic about his long-term health but acknowledges the impact on team performance and future roster decisions.

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