Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

Victor Wembenyama has competition for NBA Rookie of the Year

By Ethan Scott | Last updated 7/17/23

Chet Holmgren, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft last season by Oklahoma City, has played exceptionally well this summer. Despite not playing in the Association last season because of a right foot injury, he may be more NBA-ready than 7-foot-5 French phenom Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2023 draft.

"My foot feels great. It's like the injury never happened," Holmgren said recently of his return from a Lisfranc injury.

Holmgren's excellent anticipation, instincts and recovery skills have made him a dominant interior force on the summer stage. In four games, he has 14 blocks. If this level of performance carries over to the regular season, the 7-foot-1 Holmgren won't just become a star. He'll also fulfill the role of a big man for the up-and-coming Thunder.

Chet Holmgren had 14 blocks in four summer league games. Chasedowns, isolation throwbacks, a recovery pin, came weak side to challenge several dunks at the rim, blocked two 3s. It is a reel. pic.twitter.com/l50b89J6rV
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) July 17, 2023

Holmgren—who starred at Gonzaga—can score, too. Last Wednesday, he dropped 25 points against the Pacers, shooting 80 percent from the field.

After two games, the Spurs shut down Wembanyama for the Summer League, giving the NBA just a glimpse of his potential. In his second game, he put up 27 points, 12 boards and three blocks.

Per OddsChecker, Wemby is the favorite to win the Rookie of the Year. Scoot Henderson, the No. 3 overall pick of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Holmgren are behind him.

Regarding Wembanyama, a Western Conference scout said he expects the Spurs to go the load-management route with the talented rookie:

"He is only 19, and he needs developmental work for translation to the NBA. I would expect both load management and competition management. Spoon-feed a cautious diet of challenges early in his career."

That would not be surprising because Spurs coach Gregg Popovich essentially pioneered the modern use of load management. Given the new Collective Bargaining Agreement's restrictions on availability requirements for awards (set at 65 games), Wemby may not qualify for the ROY this season.

Team success is also crucial for awards. The Spurs, who were 22-60 last season, may struggle. Rebuilding Portland probably will struggle, too. The Thunder, meanwhile, could make the playoffs, and if they do, Holmgren will have a big edge for Rookie of the Year.

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