The 2023-2024 season has shown the greatness of rookies across the league. Many have found a way to break out and really help their teams. Two of the top stars of the season are Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. Wembanyama was drafted 1st overall by the San Antonio Spurs this season. Holmgren was drafted 2nd overall in 2022. Due to an injury, Holmgren was unable to play all of last season, and therefore, he is labeled a rookie now. The race between these two giants has been incredible to watch. Both have their own sets of skills, which will be monumental for the futures of their teams.
Chet Holmgren Having Breakout Season After Injury
In the summer of 2022, Chet Holmgren was playing in a pro-am game when he landed incorrectly and suffered a Lisfranc injury in his right foot. Unfortunately, this would cost Chet his rookie season. After a year of recovery, Holmgren got his chance to enter into his first NBA game. In his debut, Holmgren scored 11 points and had 4 rebounds. This was a good start to his career for a young player coming off of a major injury. Holmgren has now been a steady force for the young Thunder team. Also, he has had the luxury of playing with Shai Gilgeous-Alaxander, who is in the race for MVP. This has helped the young center to grow into his role. He is now averaging 16.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
Victor Wembanyama’s Record-Breaking Rookie Year
There have been many debates about Victor Wembanyama’s capabilities. However, at this point in the season, the rookie has proven himself. Even though his team is last in the West, in a few years, the young center will probably lead them to the playoffs. He is the main reason the Spurs have any wins this season. Their roster is young and needs help getting into gear. With the ball in Wembanyama’s hands, he is an unstoppable force for them. As a rookie, he has already broken records. One of these records was being the first NBA player to have 75 threes, 150 assists, and 150 blocks in the same season. His stats are currently 20.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
Which Big Will Take The ROTY?
Victor Wembanyama vs Chet Holmgren:
20 points 21 points
5 rebounds 9 rebounds
3 stocks 1 block
8-13 FG 7-10 FG
2-5 from 3 2-2 from 3ROY race, Western Conference, future DPOY & MVP races. Get used to it? pic.twitter.com/qOQxtEJgv7
— Ryan Hammer? (@ryanhammer09) October 10, 2023
This question is probably one of the most asked of the season. It is a tight race that won’t end until the final game. Right now, Wembanyama is leading in stats. However, Holmgren has steady stats on a team where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is scoring 30.9 points per game. One could argue that if Chet was the main star on his team, he might have stats closer to those of Wembanyama. Since he was drafted the year prior, there have also been arguments as to whether Chet Holmgren should be allowed in the ROTY race. Others argue that Victor Wembanyama has been playing pro basketball for years and isn’t really a rookie in the pros. No matter the argument, it is clear that this race will be an exciting one, and fans can look forward to these two battling on the court for years to come.
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