via Imago
Courtesy: Imago
via Imago
Courtesy: Imago
The NBA received a sneak peek at what lies ahead on Monday when Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren faced off in a preseason game. Despite the Oklahoma City Thunder narrowly winning 122-121 against the San Antonio Spurs, fans were highly enthusiastic about the performances of Wembanyama and Holmgren. Although Wemby scored 20 points and Holmgren 21, both of them looked promising.
More Recently, an NBA analyst backs Chet as a future MVP candidate.
Chet Holmgren a future MVP?
In a recently uploaded clip on Twitter, NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski made some predictions. “I think there are 4 potential All-Stars in that [Thunder] lineup down the road“, said Wojnarowski. He further added, “And maybe [Chet] Holmgren’s a potential MVP candidate certainly.”
“I think there are 4 potential All-Stars in that [Thunder] lineup down the road, and maybe [Chet] Holmgren’s a potential MVP candidate certainly.”
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This claim came after the first pre-season showdown between OKC and the Spurs. In just 19 minutes of play, Wembanyama scored 20 points, grabbed five rebounds, and blocked two shots. He made 8 out of 13 field goals, including 2 out of 5 three-pointers, and sank 2 out of 3 free throws. His preseason debut was impressive, and he even managed to get by Holmgren in one play.
On the other hand, the Thunder prospect posted even better stats with 21 points, nine rebounds, and one block. He shot 7-10 from the field, a perfect 2-2 from beyond the arc, and went 5-7 from the free-throw line. The 7’1 forward spoke to the media after the game about how he felt after winning the anticipated match-up.
??I made sure that it doesn?t become Chet vs. Vic rivalry, rather stays thunders vs. Spurs match,? said the standout performer of the evening. This statement truly exemplifies the sportsmanship of the young player. The last quarter had all the NBA fans in the arena on the edge of their seats as Victor Wembanyama and his teammates made a thrilling comeback. With fans predicting the?Steph-LBJ-type rivalry between the two, it’s still too early to call.
Meanwhile, Wemby is almost a lock for Rookie of the Year. Holmgren is also eligible despite being drafted in 2022.
Victor Wembanyama competing for Rookie of the Year
Victor Wembanyama is unquestionably the most highly anticipated NBA prospect since LeBron James. The San Antonio Spurs made the obvious choice by selecting Wembanyama as the No. 1 draft pick. He is also the frontrunner for the NBA Rookie of the Year award. However, even the Gonzaga Alum can’t be taken out of the picture.
Chet Holmgren joined the 2022 NBA Draft a year ahead of Wemby. Unfortunately, a season-ending injury kept him out for the entire previous year. Consequently, Holmgren is still in the running for the Rookie of the Year title in the upcoming season.
