The 2023 NBA Draft is officially in the rearview for all 30 teams in the league, with fans getting excited about what this draft class can do during the 2023-24 campaign.
Although this was a deep draft class with plenty of players that could potentially be game-changers for teams, next season will be all about Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson.
The San Antonio Spurs predictably took Wembanyama with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, and the Portland Trail Blazers brought in Henderson at No. 3 after some rumors linked him to the Charlotte Hornets over Brandon Miller.
With the 2023-24 draft class now set in stone, the question is which rookie will dominate the headlines with highlights and incredible performances next season, making them the favorite to win the NBA Rookie of the Year.
It comes as no surprise that Wembanyama is the favorite to win the regular-season award, according to BetOnline.ag, followed predictably by Henderson, but a forgotten name is behind them in Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
According to @betonline_ag, Victor Wembanyama is the favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year next season – SHOCKER!! Scoot Henderson and Chet Holmgren next in line – Lakers rookies Jalen Hood-Schifino and Max Lewis didn't make this list. pic.twitter.com/kHbL7qmxK3
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) June 26, 2023
Last year, the Thunder selected Holmgren at No. 2 overall after the Orlando Magic decided to go with Paolo Banchero at No. 1, who turned out to be the eventual winner of the Rookie of the Year award.
Unfortunately for Holmgren, an injury ended his season before it began in Oklahoma City, as he missed the entire 2022-23 campaign.
With Holmgren expected to be healthy and ready to go for next season, the former Gonzaga star could make some noise while playing alongside rising stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey.
NEXT: NBA Insider Highlights A Bright OKC Thunder Future
