For any player entering the NBA, the first individual accolade they target is usually the NBA Rookie of the Year.
The same is the case for the number-one overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, Victor Wembanyama.
While Wembanyama would have been the heavy favorite to win the honor in a normal scenario, he is facing competition from Chet Holmgren, who technically missed his rookie year due to an injury last season.
Keeping that in mind, the recent game between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder held great importance for the NBA Rookie of the Year race.
Following a sensational win for the Spurs, many believed that the race for the award has finally been settled, but Wembanyama denied this conclusion via ClutchPoints on Twitter.
.@HectorLedesmaTV : "Do you think the rookie of the year race ended tonight?"
Victor Wembanyama: "No."pic.twitter.com/tfnqQta6vL
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 1, 2024
Wembanyama didn’t waste much time when he mentioned that the Rookie of the Year race isn’t over yet.
While Wembanyama denied the notion, he truly outplayed Chet Holmgren in their recent matchup.
Wembanyama added 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists for the Spurs during their 132-118 win over the Thunder.
On the other hand, Holmgren finished the game with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Considering Holmgren plays alongside a superstar in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, his numbers were great, but still, he was outplayed by Wembanyama.
Even when comparing their stats for the season, Wembanyama overpowers Holmgren in almost every category with 20.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game as compared to 17.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.
As of now, Wembanyama should be the favorite to win the Rookie of the Year award.
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