‘Paying Dividends for Me’: Kevin Durant Has a New Protege in 7’1 NBA Starlet Set To Lock Horns With Victor Wembanyama for Rookie of the Year

Kevin Durant and an up-and-coming rookie starlet of the Oklahoma City Thunder have a lot in common. Both were selected in the NBA drafts of 2007 and 2022, surprise, as no. 2 picks. The second common ground would be the foot problems they had to deal with. 

KD had an Achilles tear and a Jones fracture back in 2015. He had to undergo three surgeries for the bone fracture before Durant returned to the games. The Thunders’ rookie power forward had to sit out all of last season because of a Lisfranc injury. With his foot healed, the Thunder’s 2022 NBA draft is looking to make a play for the Rookie of the Year position.

Kevin Durant sees himself in Chet Holmgren

The 7’1 Minnesota native is excited about the recent workout sessions with Kevin Durant. With a lot of common ground between the two, Chet hopes to follow in his footsteps. In a special episode of the ETCs with Eddie Gonzalez, Holmgren talked about his experience playing in the gym with KD. Chet believes, “It all starts at the gym. To be able to get in the gym with somebody like that … pays dividends for me“.

Holmgren is ready to get as many lessons as he can before going into court against Victor Wembanyama. With a majority rooting for Wemby to take home the Rookie of the Year, Holmgren’s skills can prove to be a challenge for the Frenchman. In a 2022 analysis by CBS Sports’ Kyle Boone on Holmgren, he calls Chet an “elite defender.” 

Holmgren and Wembanyama to meet head-on this season

Chet has to put in double the effort this time. During his discussion with Eddie Gonzalez, he said just as much. “I haven’t played with any of these dudes for 82 games, so I’m gonna have to figure out how these dudes play. They’re gonna have to figure out how I play, and how it can fit together to raise the ceiling of our team as high as we can.”

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Holmgren is an incredible shot-blocker, and it is his strongest attribute. On the offensive side, his two best skills are finishing around the rim and shooting off the catch. Wembanyama’s skillset is on a different level. The Spurs drafted him with the future in mind. Wemby has all the makings of a superstar and the Spurs are determined to develop him into one. His ability to handle the ball and score from a variety of spots makes his offensive game top-notch. It’s no surprise that he is called the most anticipated prospect since LeBron in 2003.

The Wembanyama-Holmgren matchup is one that fans are eagerly waiting for. What are your thoughts on who will emerge as the winner?

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