MILWAUKEE (USA) - The Milwaukee Bucks have announced that Damian Lillard has been diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis in his right calf and that the point guard will be sidelined indefinitely.
Lillard, 34 and gold medal winner with USA Basketball at the Tokyo Olympics, was held out of Milwaukee's last three games with what was described as a calf strain. His last game was on March 19 against Golden State, when he played 38 minutes. Lillard was sidelined for 10 days in December due to an injury to the same calf.
The diagnosis of the deep vein thrombosis, also known as a blood clot, comes at a difficult time for the Bucks as they attempt to strengthen their place in the Eastern Conference standings. They are fifth with a 40-31 record.
"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."
In February, a few weeks ago, France's Victor Wembanyama was sidelined by the San Antonio Spurs with the same diagnosis. He will not return for the remainder of the NBA season.
Treatment usually involves blood-thinning medication, which prevents players from competing in contact sports like basketball.
Lillard, who spent the first 11 years of his career with Portland and is now in his second campaign with the Bucks, has averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists this season.
FIBA sends its best wishes to Damian for a full and swift recovery.
FIBA