Victor Wembanyama, the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft for the San Antonio Spurs, and Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder became the only two rookies in the last 10 years to reach a specific statistical milestone.
Wembanyama, 20, and Holmgren, 21, have both recorded at least 25 points and 10 rebounds in a game while playing less than 24 minutes on the court. The impressive feat highlights their incredible productivity and efficiency in limited playing time.
During the current NBA season, Wembanyama has played 50 games for the Spurs, averaging 20,5 points, 10,1 rebounds and 3,2 assists per game. His well-rounded stats have been a big factor in the team's surprising success as they continue to exceed expectations and remain in the playoff race.
Holmgren, meanwhile, had his rookie season cut short due to a foot injury suffered in the offseason. However, in the 39 games he played, the lanky 7-footer made a significant impact, averaging 12,0 points, 7,1 rebounds, 2,9 blocks and 1,9 assists per game.
Les experts et les fans de la NBA sont impatients de voir ce que l’avenir réserve à ces deux talents générationnels une fois qu’ils seront tous les deux en pleine santé et capables de montrer leurs compétences sur le terrain pendant une saison complète.
La combinaison rare de taille, d’habileté et d’athlétisme de Wembanyama a suscité des comparaisons avec des grands hommes légendaires comme Kareem Abdul-Jabbar et Dirk Nowitzki. Sa capacité à avoir un impact sur le jeu aux deux extrémités du terrain, qu’il s’agisse de protéger le cercle ou d’abattre les sauteurs du périmètre, a fait de lui l’un des premiers favoris pour le titre de recrue de l’année.
Holmgren, meanwhile, has been lauded for his unique defensive versatility, able to defend multiple positions and alter shots with his 7-foot-5 wingspan. His offensive repertoire, which includes a reliable outside shot and an array of post moves, has also caught the attention of NBA scouts and analysts.
Alors que ces deux jeunes prodiges continuent de développer et d’affiner leur jeu, le monde du basketball attend avec impatience le jour où ils pourront s’affronter pour les années à venir. Leur rivalité naissante a le potentiel de captiver les fans et d’élever le niveau de jeu de la NBA pour une génération.
The fact that Wembanyama and Holmgren have already accomplished such rare statistical feats as rookies is a testament to their limitless potential. With their combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ, they are poised to rewrite the record books and cement their legacies as all-time greats in NBA history.
