In a significant blow to the Washington Wizards and their young core, forward Cam Whitmore has been ruled out indefinitely after a serious medical diagnosis. The team confirmed on Tuesday that Whitmore is suffering from upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right shoulder, a condition involving a blood clot.
From Soreness to a Serious Diagnosis
The issue came to light after Whitmore, 21, missed the team's previous six games. Initially, his absence was attributed to right shoulder soreness, which specifically caused him to sit out the last two contests. However, further evaluation and medical testing by the Wizards' physicians revealed the more severe underlying problem: a blood clot, leading to the DVT diagnosis.
NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN was the first to report the news, sharing the update on social media platform X. The Washington Wizards' official account later released a statement confirming the situation, noting that Whitmore's progress will be closely monitored and his status updated in due course.
A Promising Start Halted Abruptly
This development is particularly untimely for Whitmore, who was beginning to carve out a role in the nation's capital. Traded from the Houston Rockets to the Wizards last summer, he was seeking a fresh start and more consistent playing time. In 21 games this season, the former first-round pick was averaging 9.2 points in 16.9 minutes per game, shooting 45.6% from the field.
He had recently started working more closely with head coach Brian Keefe on a specific development plan, indicating the team's investment in his growth. For a Wizards squad with the NBA's worst record (5-22), developing young talent like Whitmore is a cornerstone of their rebuild.
DVT: A Growing Concern in the NBA
Whitmore's case highlights a concerning trend in professional basketball. He becomes the third NBA player in the past 12 months to be sidelined due to deep vein thrombosis. Last season, then-Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard missed a month with a calf DVT, and San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama missed the second half of the 2024-25 campaign with a similar condition.
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often in the legs or arms. While treatable, it is a serious medical issue that requires immediate and careful management to prevent complications.
The financial and career implications are also notable. Whitmore is in the third year of his rookie contract, earning $3.5 million this season, with a team option for $5.5 million next year. He would have been eligible for a contract extension next summer. For now, all those plans are on hold as the player and team focus solely on his health and recovery. The Wizards' community and fans across the league will be hoping for a full and speedy recovery for the young wing.
