While the games are yet to count, NBA fans worldwide are tuned in for the future. Led by San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama and Oklahoma City Thunder big man Chet Holmgren, the two are in store for a long career battle.
Among the top matchups of the night, Wembanyama and Holmgren battled down to the wire, with both showing no signs of being slowed down. The only hope for both franchises is to maintain long and healthy careers. Holmgren is causing more worry among fans coming off of his season-ending foot injury.
Nevertheless, the Thunder held off the Spurs in their first matchup. It’s a meaningful moment, even if it’s just a preseason match.
Spurs Fall to Thunder in Matchup of NBA’s Budding Big Men
Victor Wembanyama
18 PTS / 3 REB / 77% FGChet Holmgren
21 PTS / 9 REB / 70% FGIn the first half 👀 pic.twitter.com/oyqzHhfNT2
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 10, 2023
Chet Holmgren Holds Slight Edge in Box Score
The most noticeable attribute between both big men was their efficiency. Holmgren finished his night going 7-10 from the field (2-2 from three-point range), while Wembanyama went 8-13 (2-5 from three).
Holmgren ended his night with 21 points, nine rebounds, and one block, and Wembanyama posted 20 points, five rebounds, two steals, and one block.
While the stat sheet provides near-identical success, the Thunder came out with the win. Nonetheless, it was still an exciting night for fans as both players showed off their intangibles.
They displayed their freak athleticism and high IQ around the basket. Their efficiency also shows that there was virtually no way of stopping them from scoring the basket.
The game surely will translate once the NBA regular season begins, but the speculation is enough to leave fans hungry for more.
Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren trade 3-pointers 🔥
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 10, 2023
Setting the Way for the Future of the NBA
The ability to dribble and shoot while being over seven feet tall is something the NBA might not be quite ready for. Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis are the closest resemblances, but Holmgren and Wembanyama are true centers.
Nikola Jokic has quickly paved his way to be the most skilled big man of all time, but with the lack of flashy dribbling, Wembanyama or Holmgren can take the throne once their careers are near the end.
What Jokic lacks in athleticism, he makes up for in extreme IQ. But it’s still too early to tell how quickly the two can be accustomed to the mental aspects of the NBA.
Wembanyama is a step ahead of Holmgren in experience thanks to his time overseas and in the G League. While Holmgren technically has one year of NBA experience, missing the entire season after being the second overall pick puts him right back as a rookie.
Of course, there’s no telling what a year around NBA coaches have done to Holmgren.
ELECTRIC #NBAPreseason debuts from Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama as the @okcthunder win a thriller!
Holmgren: 21 PTS, 9 REB
Wembanyama: 20 PTS, 5 REB pic.twitter.com/xpsN5IZXuQ— NBA (@NBA) October 10, 2023
The Last Word on the Spurs and Thunder Big Men
Instead of overthinking their true potential, the best course of action will be to sit back and watch the young stars do their thing. The future is truly bright for both franchises and the NBA.
Wembanyama being labeled as the greatest prospect ever automatically puts a target on his back, so will Wembanyama live up to the hype?
Can Holmgren overcome missing an entire year due to injury? Only time will tell, but the betting person would take a chance on both living up to their true potential.
