Though the NBA returned to action after the All-Star break with one game Wednesday and a nearly full slate of action Thursday, the league's focus was elsewhere after the stunning news that San Antonio Spurs star big man Victor Wembanyama will miss the rest of the season due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.
The announcement sent shockwaves through the league, given Wembanyama's status after following a brilliant Rookie of the Year season with an even better sophomore campaign. He appeared in his first All-Star Game over the weekend and was the leading contender for Defensive Player of the Year honors, a shoo-in to make an All-NBA team and, potentially, garnering some Most Valuable Player consideration.