Chet Holmgren wish to remind you that Victor Wembanyama is not just going to run away with the NBA Rookie of the Yr award.
The San Antonio Spurs rookie has been the whole lot enthusiasts have was hoping for, a 7-foot-4 surprise with an offensive fluidity that belies his measurement and elite defensive abilities from Day 1, however Holmgren has been that as neatly for the Oklahoma Town Thunder, a group this is actively competing for the playoffs.
And Holmgren simply had the primary signature efficiency of his occupation, posting 36 issues on 14-of-22 taking pictures, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, two steals and a block in opposition to the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. 3 of the ones issues got here on a game-tying, buzzer-beating, turnaround 3-pointer to ship the sport to time beyond regulation.
This video from the Thunder underscores how ridiculous a shot that used to be.
The Thunder proceeded to win 130-123 in time beyond regulation to reinforce their report to 9-4. It used to be an evening of huge performances for OKC, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander additionally had 40 issues.
Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama in reality are that just right
Holmgren, the No. 2 general select of the 2022 NBA Draft, used to be relatively misplaced within the shuffle coming into this season after lacking all of final season with a foot damage. Or somewhat, he simply wasn’t a right away crossover superstar like Wembanyama, the most-hyped prospect the NBA has observed in years.
Alternatively, the 2 have carried out reasonably in a similar way because the season started for actual. Their first matchup did not play as was hoping, however each and every have gave the impression of a famous person within the making. The adaptation is the Spurs are 3-10 after dropping to the closely suffering Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday, as they proceed to just accept the rising pains that include development an offense round a 19-year-old.
The Thunder shouldn’t have that downside. They have got Gilgeous-Alexander, in addition to Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams, Lu Dort and playoff desires. And Holmgren has slid in completely with that staff. That does not essentially imply what Holmgren is doing is extra spectacular, as groups have much more to fret about than him versus Wembanyama, it is only a other scenario.
And all this communicate ignores the presence of the Detroit Pistons’ Ausar Thompson, who may be off to a handy guide a rough get started as a rookie with 11.8 issues, 10. 3 rebounds and three.5 assists in step with sport, plus his personal standout protection. It is laborious to think about a rookie magnificence extra stacked on the most sensible, and that is the reason with 2023 No. 2 select Brandon Miller and No. 3 select Scoot Henderson nonetheless figuring issues out.
Both of Holmgren or Wembanyama can be a meriting Rookie of the Yr at this time. Thankfully, there may be nonetheless such a lot basketball left to play and statements to make.
