Milwaukee Bucks superstar Damian Lillard was dealt a devastating blow this week with the announcement that he has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf. The 34-year-old point guard, a key component to the Bucks’ championship aspirations this season, will be sidelined indefinitely as he focuses on his recovery.

"Damian's health is our No. 1 priority," Bucks general manager Jon Horst said in a statement. "We will support him as he moves through this weekly process of strict criteria to ensure that it is safe for him to return to play. Doctors have indicated that his situation is very unlikely to occur again. We are thankful that this was identified and medicated quickly, which helps with the recovery."

Lillard, who has already begun treatment with blood-thinning medication, is currently in stable condition and good spirits. However, the uncertainty surrounding his return to the court raises important questions about the dangers of blood clots, a condition that has affected several other prominent athletes—particularly within the Black community. Serena Williams, Chris Bosh, and Victor Wembanyama are just a few names who have been diagnosed with blood clots. The San Antonio Spurs shut down star big Victor Wembanyama in February 2025 after he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs. The danger arises when the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal. In Lillard’s case, the blood clot in his calf was diagnosed after a series of tests and specialist consultations. Although the use of blood thinners has helped stabilize the condition, the road to recovery can be an uncertain one.

While DVT can affect anyone, studies have shown that Black people are statistically more likely to be diagnosed with the condition. According to the Blood Clot Alliance, Black or African American people have up to 60% higher rates of life-threatening venous blood clots than white people.

It’s a disparity that has caught the attention of medical professionals in recent years, and as previously mentioned has been observed in other high-profile athletes. In these cases, each athlete’s health journey has underscored a larger conversation about health disparities among the Black community, particularly when it comes to cardiovascular conditions.

The disproportionate number of Black athletes who have battled DVT suggests a deeper, often overlooked connection between the condition and systemic health factors. 

As Lillard embarks on his recovery, his DVT diagnosis shines a light on this silent, insidious condition that has at times stolen the spotlight from some of the greatest athletes of our generation. The hope, of course, is that with swift medical intervention, Lillard will overcome this obstacle—and return to the court to chase a championship.