After ten matches, we can say that Victor Wembanyama And Chet Holmgren did not miss their first steps in the NBA.
Already considered the favorites for the title Rookie of the Yearthey respectively display 19.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.4 blocks on average (at 45% on shoots, 30% on 3-pts and 77% on throws) and 16.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.3 blocks on average (55% shooting, 50% 3-point shooting and 90% shooting).
The first duel of a long list…
Two starts with a bang since, since 1971, only Bill Walton, Mychal Thompson and Chris Webber had accumulated at least 15 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2 blocks on average in their first ten career games. In addition, “Wemby” and Chet could become the only rookies with Shaquille O’Neal and Alonzo Mourning in 1992/93 to average at least 15 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2 blocks in the same season.
Proof of the unique talent of these two new “best rivals/enemies”, called upon to cross swords on many occasions over the years. Especially in the playoffs, on the biggest stage…
“ I plan on playing for a long time and I’m sure he does too », Chet Holmgren delivered last month (21 points, 9 rebounds), after his duel (won) in preseason with the Frenchman (20 points, 5 rebounds). “ There will be no other choice than to meet regularly. I enjoyed this meeting and I look forward to the future. »
“ I know it’s only preseason, but the games against OKC will definitely be interesting », Confided Victor Wembanyama.
Two linked trajectories?
A month later, the two interiors have the opportunity to meet again, but this time in the regular season, as part of theIn-Season Tournament. A first so-called “official” match between the two unicorns, moreover in the adults and no longer in the youth category, which promises to make observers salivate. This night, but not only…
“ The future looks bright “, declared Zach Collins. “ It will be great fun for everyone to follow their careers », Anticipates Gregg Popovich.
Precisely, the careers of Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren will undoubtedly be linked for a long time, given the similarities that exist in terms of their games and their profiles.
“ They are each who they are, Chet is Chet and Victor is Victor, but the landscape of the interiors certainly changes », underlines Keldon Johnson. “ They are two different players. Chet is not as big as Victor, but they have similar skills, similar qualities. As with any player capable of scoring, we are going to have to make it difficult for him », Adds Zach Collins, probably often required to defend on the OKC pivot.
Unlock the counter in NBA Cup
Sportingly, it will also be necessary for the Spurs (0-1) and the Thunder (0-2) win to relaunch themselves in the rankings of the NBA Cup, and in the regular season standings. With this in mind, the contribution of Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren will be decisive…
“ He’s someone we had to be wary of, as he poses a threat with his counterattack and aerial play. You also associate it with Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander]so it will be difficult to manage », indicates the player of San Antoniochosen in first position in the 2023 Draft.
“ We have a match at 7 p.m. and that’s what I’m focusing on, I’m going to try to win it. This is and will be my goal every match day. Other than that, I don’t have much time to worry about anything else », warns the player toOklahoma Citychosen second in the 2022 Draft.
| Victor Wembanyama | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2023-24 | SAN | 10 | 30 | 44.7 | 29.8 | 76.6 | 2.0 | 6.8 | 8.8 | 2.5 | 2.6 | 1.1 | 3.8 | 2.4 | 19.7 |
| Total | 10 | 30 | 44.7 | 29.8 | 76.6 | 2.0 | 6.8 | 8.8 | 2.5 | 2.6 | 1.1 | 3.8 | 2.4 | 19.7 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
| Chet Holmgren | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2023-24 | OKAY | 10 | 30 | 54.9 | 50.0 | 89.5 | 1.6 | 6.0 | 7.6 | 2.6 | 3.3 | 0.9 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 16.4 |
| Total | 10 | 30 | 54.9 | 50.0 | 89.5 | 1.6 | 6.0 | 7.6 | 2.6 | 3.3 | 0.9 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 16.4 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
