NBA fans finally got the chance to see the highly-anticipated battle of the giants, Victor Wembanyama vs Chet Holmgren. Touted as the future of the NBA, Chet and Wemby went head-to-head in their 2023 NBA preseason debut. The San Antonio Spurs visited the Oklahoma City Thunder and these two young squads played a very exciting match. Although OKC came up with a close win over the Spurs (122-121), who won the battle between Wembanyama and Holmgren?
Victor Wembanyama vs Chet Holmgren in the preseason: Who won the battle?
Obviously, Chet Holmgren got the last laugh over Wemby. Aside from getting the dub for OKC, Holmgren also played an outstanding game. The former Gonzaga Bulldogs star almost had a double-double preseason opener with 21 points and 9 rebounds. He was also very efficient on the court after he shot 70% from the field and a wonderful 100% from the trifecta.
On the other hand, Victor Wembanyama also showed up with an impressive stat line. The French prodigy put up 20 points and 5 rebounds. The 2023 first-overall pick also picked up the slack on the defensive end with 2 steals and 1 block. Despite the two young talents taking the league by storm after their excellent preseason debut, it seems that Chet Holmgren slightly outplayed Wembanyama. However, this matchup would be an exciting sight moving forward and hopefully, a rivalry sparks from this very game.
Chet Holmgren showed out in his #NBAPreseason debut 😤
21 PTS
9 REB
7/10 FGM
2/2 3PM…in just 16 minutes! pic.twitter.com/7pmQ91NDhe
— NBA (@NBA) October 10, 2023
On a side note, OKC’s Jalen Williams will be a problem in the league in the future
Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren might have taken the spotlight during the Spurs-Thunder preseason game, but another name stood out and made a huge statement. OKC’s 12th overall pick in 2022, Jalen Williams, did a little bit of everything by putting up 12 points, 2 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block in just 19 minutes of play. He was playing on a different level and showed that he could be a star in the future.
JALEN WILLIAMS IS A PROBLEM. 😤🔥
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 10, 2023
Last season, Williams was making a case as the 2023 Rookie of the Year and was clearly the second runner-up behind the eventual winner, Paolo Banchero. Thankfully, the young guard’s efforts were recognized after he was named in the All-Rookie First Team.
NBA: Is Chet Holmgren eligible for the 2023-2024 Rookie of the Year award?
The second overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, Chet Holmgren, has missed the whole season right after being drafted. The former Gonzaga superstar hasn’t played for the Oklahoma City Thunder in an official NBA game yet after suffering a season-ending injury last year. However, things are going pretty well for the up-and-coming star big man and he seems to have recovered. Chet has already stepped foot on the court recently, during the 2023 Summer League. But, questions will come to mind – Is Chet Holmgren going to be considered a rookie in the 2023-2024 season? Will he be eligible to win the 2024 Rookie of the Year award? Let’s answer all of that, here.
Last year, Chet Holmgren participated in a star-studded Crawsover Pro-Am game organized by the legendary sixth man, Jamal Crawford. Held in Seattle, the young star was joined by other players in his draft class such as Paolo Banchero, Tari Eason, and Marjon Beauchamp, as well as NBA stars like LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Dejounte Murray, Isaiah Thomas, and Aaron Gordon. However, in an unexpected turn of events, Holmgren apparently injured his right foot during that game. Eventually, it would cost him to miss the whole 2022-2023 season, and will not suit up for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
After a full year of recovery, Chet Holmgren balled out in the 2023 Summer League
In this year’s Summer League, Chet Holmgren can be seen to have recovered pretty well and seems to have gained some additional weight. In his first NBA game back from injury, the 21-year-old center put up an impressive output. He posted 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks against the Utah Jazz. Aside from his scoring prowess, Holmgren also showed how impactful he can be on the defensive side of the ball.
After missing the 2022-2023 season, technically, Chet Holmgren will still be considered a rookie in the 2023-2024 season and will be eligible to win the Rookie of the Year award. His official debut is when the regular season begins in October. However, Chet could be facing the 2023 first-overall pick, Victor Wembanyama, in the showdown for the best Rookie. Both play the same position and have similar play styles. Plus, they have similar physiques.
These two Texas teams have a bright future ahead of them. The Thunder almost made the playoffs last season despite being already written off. Meanwhile, the Spurs got the greatest prospect since LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, who is already given the task of bringing back the winning culture in San Antonio. Surely, we will be seeing more of the battle of giants every time the Oklahoma City Thunder face the San Antonio Spurs.
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