Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as the standout rookies this season, but only one can be awarded as the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year.
Both players are physical specimens, showcasing exceptional shooting, dribbling, and playmaking skills reminiscent of guards despite their towering frames of over seven feet.
Wembanyama is considered one of the most highly anticipated prospects in NBA history, drawing significant attention even before his selection as the first overall pick by the Spurs in this year's NBA Draft.
On the other hand, Holmgren earned acclaim for his skills and size when he was drafted by the Thunder last year as the second overall pick. However, a Lisfranc injury to his right foot kept him sidelined for the entire 2022-23 season, making the current season his official rookie campaign.
3 Reasons Why Victor Wembanyama will win Rookie of the Year over Chet Holmgren
1. Wembanyama is the first option on his team.
The 7-foot-6 unicorn plays a pivotal role in the Spurs' offensive strategy, enabling him to amass increasingly impressive statistics as he adjusts to playing in the NBA.
In contrast, the Thunder boasts one of the league's stars, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, running the show. As this dynamic guard takes control in certain matchups, Holmgren's numbers might be affected, potentially influencing some voters in the award decision if there is a significant gap between him and Wembanyama.
2. Holmgren's injury history.
The Thunder big man has already faced a significant injury setback, having sat out the entire 2022-23 NBA season due to a Lisfranc injury on his right foot.
This injury occurred during a Pro-am game in August 2022, just before his much-anticipated rookie season, while he was defending Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James on a fast break. Serious foot injuries are particularly concerning, especially for big men, as they often have long-lasting effects on their careers.
Wembanyama, who began his professional career in France in 2019, has encountered his share of injuries, although they have not been as serious or concerning.
During the 2020/2021 season, he faced a three-month absence due to a fractured fibula. The 2021-22 season saw him participating in only 33 out of 76 possible games, missing the playoffs owing to a psoas muscle issue.
Wemby also had a fractured finger that sidelined him for four weeks during the same campaign and, later, a bone contusion that led to a hiatus of over two months. Since then, he has remained healthy for the past year and actively works to prevent injuries.
3. Wemby has a higher ceiling.
The Spurs big man is a clear choice if you're seeking a foundational player for your franchise. He possesses a versatile skill set and can lead the team in various aspects on the basketball court.
In contrast, Holmgren is more of a play-finisher and an elite complementary piece, capable of elevating most teams in the league, particularly those championship contenders aiming to get over the hump.
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