There was a moment this season when it was debated whether Oklahoma City's Chet Holmgren could challenge, and win, San Antonio's Victor Wembaneyama for NBA Rookie of the Year.
Like all yesterdays, the moment is gone.
Wenbanyama is the Rookie of the Year, but he is nowhere near that.
That's not something Holmgren takes lightly. The 7-1 center forward had a great season, helping the Thunder have one of the best records in the Western Conference, averaging 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 blocks while shooting 52.7% from the field and 37.1% from the field. % was recorded. He is a 79.5% 3-point shooter and 79.5% free throw shooter.
Holmgren is also in a great situation. The Thunder are the team of the present and the future, and could be an annual championship favorite for the next decade.
The Spurs and Thunder will play their final matchup of the season on Wednesday. This is not a one-on-one matchup, but considering both teams and player instructions, Wenbanyama and Holmgren are part of the NBA's next generation of stars. We need to utilize our players.
Let's sell big.
The fact that Wembaneyama, the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft with a record of 7 wins and 4 losses, will be the sole runner-up for Rookie of the Year indicates that Wembaneyama has had an unprecedented season both offensively and defensively.
Wenbanyama averaged 21.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals, leading all rookies this season in points, rebounds, blocks, and steals.
His numbers are historic.
Since the NBA began tracking blocks and steals 50 years ago, Wenbanyama is the only rookie to average more than 20 points, 10 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 3.0 blocks and 1.0 steals.
With 27 points, 14 rebounds, 10 blocks, and 5 assists in a game against Toronto on February 12, Wembaneyama became the fifth player in NBA history, along with Kareem Abdul, to score at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, 10 blocks, and 5 assists. Recorded. -Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, Ralph Sampson, David Robinson. He is expected to become the fourth rookie to average 20 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, joining Robinson, Shaquille O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning.
Wembaneyama recorded 40 points, 20 rebounds, and 7 assists on March 29, becoming the first rookie since O'Neal 31 years ago to record 40 points and 20 rebounds.
You can continue this all day long. But there is one more in the unprecedented category. Wenbang Yama is the only player who recorded at least 30 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 blocks in less than 25 minutes.
The Spurs had a tough season, finishing last in the West Division with a record of 20 wins and 59 losses, but will once again have a top pick in the 2024 draft. (Although they don't have a Wembane Yama type this year, the Spurs should get a solid contributor).
Individual stats aside, Wenbanyama's impact as a defender has made the Spurs a quality defensive team and has him in the conversation for All-Defense selection. When Wembaneyama is on the floor, the Spurs are allowing 111.2 points per 100 possessions, which ranks as a top-five defense. When he's off the court, that number drops to 118.5 points per 100 possessions, one of the worst defensive ratings.
He is an exceptional shot blocker and rim protector, and does so without getting into too much foul trouble, which is unusual for a rookie big man. He has fouled out only once this season, has seven games with five fouls, and only four games with four fouls.
Spurs took a cautious and patient approach to Wembaneyama. They didn't want to burden him, but at the same time they looked at how he plays, what makes him comfortable, where he excels, where he needs to improve. I thought so.
He can run pick-and-rolls as a screener who can hit mid-range jumpers or roll to the rim, or operate as a pick-and-roll for ball handlers in search of favorable matchups – shooting Hit a 3 or drive with the option of a shot to the rim, or pass to an open teammate.
Wenbanyama can get rebounds, recover blocked shots and go from basket to basket, and teammates can throw lobs where only he can get the ball.
He's going to get smarter, stronger, better, but he's not even close to his peak or prime yet.
It won't be long before Wembaneyama becomes a Defensive Player of the Year and an MVP candidate – as early as next season.
