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Chet vs Wemby: NBA Rookie of the Year
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Chet vs Wembanyama: Who's the NBA's Rookie of the Year?

Nick Holz Published on: Nov 23, 2023 11:17 PM ET

Once in a generation or so, a prodigious athletic talent too freakishly exceptional to ignore sets the sports world ablaze. Yet, this season NBA fans have been blessed by two extraterrestrial anomalies. Rookie seven-footers Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama have taken the league by storm, redefining the game with guard-like skills, and altering the trajectory of what it means to be a big man in the modern NBA. As their freshman year unfolds, the question on every basketball fan’s mind is: Who will emerge as the NBA’s Rookie of the Year?

Wembanyama: The Phenom

Victor Wembanyama has been marvelous through the first 15 games of his NBA career. The French phenom boasts an impressive statline of 18.8 points per game, 9.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.6 blocks. But numbers hardly paint the full picture.

Wemby’s ability to dominate the paint and step out to handle the ball with ease places him among the most unique talents to ever enter the Association. He can impact opposing 3-point shooters from inside the paint with one stride and then hit a step-back jumper on the other end.

Despite his undeniable talent, Wemby’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. He’s struggled shooting the ball, and seems to be forcing matters on the offensive end. “The Alien” appears to be feeling the massive weight of his incredible talent as he tries to carry the weight of his team’s needs. Which isn’t surprising, considering the San Antonio Spurs, despite the presence of legendary head coach Gregg Popovich, possess arguably the least talented roster in the league. Despite that, Wembanyama’s versatility and ability to adapt and improve have already been on full display.

Holmgren: The Perfect Fit in Oklahoma

On the other side of this incredible rookie battle is Chet Holmgren, the second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Though a foot injury robbed him of the spotlight last year, the former Gonzaga Bulldog has come back with a vengeance. Holmgren’s stat line of 17.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game is impressive in its own right. However, what sets Chet apart is how seamlessly he’s integrated into the Oklahoma City Thunder’s system.

The presence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and the Thunder’s young talents has allowed Chet Holmgren to thrive in a way that few rookies can. Holmgren’s ability to stretch the floor, combined with his shot-blocking prowess, has added a new dimension to the Thunder’s ascendancy. His presence has been a significant factor in Oklahoma City’s 11-4 start, making him a strong contender for the Rookie of the Year title.

The Evolution of the NBA Big Man

Wembanyama and Holmgren represent the transformation of the NBA big man. Gone are the days of plodding seven-footers being relegated to the post to rebound and block shots. These two remarkable rookies are part of a new breed - players who handle the ball like Kyrie, shoot from deep like Reggie, and play-make like Steve Nash. Oh, and both of these kids are among the league leaders in blocks, while locking down the paint and providing top-tier rim protection. These youthful unicorns are transforming the traditional expectations of the center and power-forward positions.

Charles Darwin would be proud, as Holmgren and Wembanyama are a perfect reflection of the NBA’s continual evolution. As the Association moves ever closer to positionless basketball, extraterrestrial talents like these rookies are setting new standards, and proving that height is no longer a limitation to skill diversity.

Wemby vs. Chet: The Rookie of the Year Debate

As the season progresses through its first full month, the race for the NBA's Rookie of the Year is heating up. Wembanyama’s raw numbers are slightly more impressive, however, Holmgren’s impact on the third-placed team in a loaded Western Conference cannot be overlooked. At the same time, Wembanyama’s ceiling is sky-high. The most-hyped basketball prospect since Lebron James remains a -190 favorite to win the award for a reason. Although, those odds have dropped from -300 just two short weeks ago.

Chet has closed the gap at a rapid pace. Over the past two weeks, Holmgren’s odds to take home the award have jumped from +300 to +190. Highlighted by his 36-point performance masterpiece in a win against the Golden State Warriors, Holmgren is beginning to generate the types of headlines and highlight reel plays that will close the gap further in the coming weeks.

The Future of the NBA

Regardless of who takes home the Rookie of the Year trophy, Wembanyama and Holmgren are the future of the NBA. Their rare, guard-like abilities in seven-foot frames are a glimpse into the future of basketball. A time where height and skill are blended to create a new prototype of basketball player. Perhaps, that time is now.

As the season unfolds, the debate over the Rookie of the Year will fervently continue. Luckily for basketball fans across the globe, the Wemby vs Chet saga is only just beginning. The future is bright on the hardwood as the NBA is witnessing the rise of two freakish talents destined to dominate the league for years to come. Their rookie season duel is a precursor to what promises to be a fascinating era in the NBA.

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