Daniels becomes big time chance to win DPOY

• Wembanyama has played just 46 games for the Spurs23-29
• Dyson Daniels is on pace to finish in the top 10 steals in single season
• Wembanyama diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis

Australian guard Dyson Daniels' chance of becoming the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year has skyrocketed because San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama will miss the rest of the season with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.

Wembanyama will not be eligible for All-NBA, Defensive Player of the Year as he will not play the minimum of 65 games to be eligible for any NBA awards.

San Antonio released this statement this morning (AEST): "The San Antonio Spurs today announced that Victor Wembanyama has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. The condition was discovered when Wembanyama returned to San Antonio following the All-Star Game in San Francisco. Wembanyama is expected to miss the remainder of the 2024-25 regular season. The team will provide updates as appropriate."

Daniels, 21, is leading the NBA in steals — 3.0 per game — and has quickly developed the reputation as being one of the league's toughest on-ball defenders while Wembanyama is the NBA's top shot blockers at 3.8 per game.

In 50 games for the Atlanta Hawks, Daniels has 149 steals. He is averaging three steals per game.

If he plays the remaining 32 games in the regular season for the 26-29 Hawks and maintains his average, he will finish on 245 steals and in elite company.

Those 245 steals would put Daniels 9th on the all-time single season list, ahead of  Utah Jazz Hall of Famer and the NBA's All-Time Steals leader John Stockton on 244.

"It's tough," Spurs point guard Chris Paul told ESPN. "Tough more than anything, I think for all of us, knowing how much he means to our team, but more so knowing how much he means to the game and how much he loves to play.

"I think everybody understands that basketball is what we do and not who we are.

"So life and everything is so much more important, but for us, we know losing a big part of our team like that is [made up for] by committee. And trust me, you can't replace Vic. I can't stand on a guy's shoulders and block every shot that comes to the rim.

"Aside from his basketball ability, his charisma and what he brings into the locker room I think is what we'll miss the most."

Memphis Grizzlies big Jaren Jackson has replaced Wembanyama as favourite to win the award but Daniels is still very much in the mix.

What is deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs. It can cause pain, swelling, and redness, but sometimes occurs without noticeable symptoms.

Causes:

• Prolonged immobility (e.g., long flights, bed rest)
• Surgery or injury (especially to the legs or pelvis)
• Blood clotting disorders
• Certain medications (e.g., hormone therapy, birth control pills)
• Cancer and cancer treatments

Risks:

The most serious complication of DVT is a pulmonary embolism (PE) — when a clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, which can be life-threatening.

Symptoms:

• Swelling
• Pain or tenderness (especially when walking or standing)
• Warm skin over the affected area
• Red or discoloured skin

Prevention & Treatment:

• Staying active and moving regularly
• Wearing compression stockings
• Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants)
• In severe cases, clot-dissolving drugs or surgery may be needed