The race for the NBA Rookie of the Year without a doubt has come down between the two seven-foot rookies, Thunder's Chet Holmgren and Spurs' Victor Wembanyama.
Both players throughout the season have built up solid cases to take home this post season award. Despite Wembanyama's fantastic month of February and media attention, the second pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Chet Holmgren, has remained consistent and could steal the award right from Wembanyama.
Chet Holmgren vs. Victor Wembanyama: Winning Should Matter
Historically, teams' records haven't been considered when looking at the Rookie of the Year; however, this year should object to that rule.
Holmgren and the Oklahoma City Thunder have surprised many fans this season, rising as one of the best teams in the league. They are 42-18, second in the Western Conference, and are competing for home-court advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs.
Compared to the San Antonio Spurs, despite being coached by probably one of the best coaches in NBA History in Greg Popovich, have only won 13 games on the season and are dead last in the West.
Victor Wembanyama has been great this season to say the least. However, his play on the court has yet to have an impact in the winning column.
Chet Holmgren has so far proved to be more impactful in winning for Thunder, and it has shown in OKC's record this season.
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Chet Holmgren vs. Victor Wembanyama: Dominating the Matchup
The Spurs and Thunder have met three times this season, with their fourth and final game set up for April 10th in OKC. So far, Holmgren and the Thunder are up 2-1 in games played against the Spurs.
The Thunder picked up a dominant first win earlier in the season. Despite the dominant 123-87 Thunder win, it was a poor showing for Holmgren, who only had nine points, seven rebounds, and a block on 3-10 shooting.
Wemby didn't fare any better, tallying just eight points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks on 4-15 from the field.
They met again in January, with the Thunder getting the 140-114 win. Both fared a lot better, with Holmgren having 17 points and nine rebounds on 7-13 shooting and Wembanyama having 24 points, 12 rebounds, and four blocks.
Their recent matchup saw the Spurs pick up the victory behind a heroic performance from Wembanyama; who posted 28 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists.
However, Chet still held his own, dropping 23 points and six rebounds.
The Spurs and Thunder have one more game against each other this season. If the Thunder pick up the win behind a convincing effort from Holmgren, it may sway some voters to look his way.
Chet Holmgren vs. Victor Wembanyama: Stats are Closer than You Think
On paper, it may seem like Wemby is blowing Holmgren out of the water. However, that's only partially the case.
Wembanyama so far this season is averaging 20.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 3.2 blocks per game on 46% from the field and 29.9% from beyond the arch.
Chet is averaging 17.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting 54.1 from the field and 38.2 from three.
Holmgren is pretty close in the scoring and rebounding department, and is considered to be more efficient.
Considering both have different roles on their team, Chet may be a second option behind All-Star guard Shai Gilgehous-Alexander for the Thunder; as the Spurs look on Wemby to make an impact on games night in and night out.
If you favor efficiency than Holmgren might be your guy for Rookie of the Year.
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