The NBA has always thrived on star power and rivalries. From Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird to LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry, these matchups not only electrify the courts but also draw millions of viewers, boosting TV ratings and keeping the league in the spotlight. As the league moves into the future, two young phenoms—Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama—could be the next great rivalry that saves the NBA in terms of TV ratings. Their unique skill sets, towering frames, and contrasting playing styles have the potential to captivate fans globally and bring in a new era of must-see basketball.
Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama Could Secure the Future of the NBA
The Emergence of Two Unicorns
Holmgren, drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Wembanyama, the reigning Rookie of the Year, represent the evolution of the modern NBA big man. Standing at 7-foot-1 and 7-foot-4 respectively, both players defy traditional positional norms. They can shoot from deep, handle the ball like guards, and protect the rim with elite shot-blocking abilities. Yet, despite their similarities, they bring different flavors to the court.
Holmgren, with his thin frame but tenacious defense, has drawn comparisons to players like Kevin Durant and Rudy Gobert—a combination of offensive versatility and defensive prowess. Wembanyama, on the other hand, has already been touted as a generational talent, blending the finesse of a guard with the shot-blocking of a center, reminiscent of a prime Kristaps Porziņģis but with even more upside. Their contrasting styles—a more perimeter-oriented Holmgren versus the inside-out domination of Wembanyama—set the stage for a rivalry that could draw fans from all corners of the basketball world.
The Rivalry: Humble Beginnings
Holmgren and Wembanyama faced off three times during the 2023-24 NBA season, with both players living up to their preseason hype. In their last matchup of the regular season, Wembanyama led the Spurs to a 132-118 victory over Holmgren’s OKC. Wembanyama recorded 28 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, five blocks, and two steals, while Holmgren contributed 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Overall, Wemby has had a slight edge in their head-to-head battles, averaging 20 points, 13 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks.
The Global Appeal
Both Holmgren and Wembanyama have the potential to become global icons. Wembanyama, hailing from France, is already a superstar in Europe. His international appeal can draw in viewers from across the globe, much like Dirk Nowitzki did for Germany or Yao Ming did for China. Holmgren, being a highly-touted American prospect, already has a strong following in the United States.
This global appeal is crucial in today’s NBA, where the league is more international than ever before. The NBA has been making significant strides in growing its global audience, and a rivalry between two international stars can further boost this effort. As the league continues to expand its reach, the Holmgren-Wembanyama rivalry could become a central narrative in attracting and retaining viewers worldwide.
Revitalizing the Regular Season
One of the criticisms of the modern NBA is the perceived lack of importance placed on the regular season. With load management becoming more common and fans often tuning out until the playoffs, TV ratings during the regular season have seen dips in recent years. A rivalry like Holmgren vs. Wembanyama has the potential to change that.
Holmgren and Wembanyama are part of cores on the rise, albeit at different stages. The Thunder are coming off a season where they finished as the youngest first seed in NBA history. The Spurs finished a 22-win season as the 14th seed. They ended up getting the 4th pick in this year’s draft, which they used to add the perfect complement, Stephon Castle, to their existing diarchy of Wemby and Devin Vassell. The 57-win Thunder are led by the triumvirate of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Holmgren.
Every time these two players face off, it will become a must-watch event. Fans will circle the dates on their calendars, ensuring that the games between the Thunder and the Spurs are among the highest-rated of the season. This kind of anticipation can reignite interest in regular-season games, leading to higher viewership numbers and a more engaged fanbase throughout the year.
The Potential for Legendary Playoff Battles
As Holmgren and Wembanyama develop, it’s easy to imagine them leading their teams into deep playoff runs. Their potential for legendary playoff battles could evoke memories of the epic showdowns between Magic and Bird in the 1980s or LeBron and Curry in the 2010s. These rivalries didn’t just elevate the players involved; they elevated the entire league.
For the NBA, having a marquee rivalry that can deliver high-stakes, high-drama playoff series is invaluable. It draws in casual fans who might not otherwise tune in and keeps die-hard fans invested in the outcome. If Holmgren and Wembanyama can lead their teams to multiple playoff encounters, it could result in a ratings bonanza for the league.
Marketing the Rivalry
The NBA has always been adept at marketing its stars, and the Holmgren-Wembanyama rivalry offers a goldmine of opportunities. From commercials and documentaries to social media campaigns, the league can build anticipation and excitement around their matchups. The storylines practically write themselves: two towering, versatile big men, each with their own unique skills and personalities, battling it out for supremacy in the league.
The NBA’s media partners, including ESPN, TNT, and international broadcasters, would also benefit from hyping up this rivalry. Special segments, interviews, and in-depth analysis of their matchups could become regular features, ensuring that fans are fully invested in the narrative. This level of marketing can help sustain interest throughout the season and keep TV ratings high whenever these two stars take the court against each other.
The Last Word: A Rivalry That Could Save the League
In a league constantly evolving, the rivalry between Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama stands out as a beacon of hope. Their contrasting styles, global appeal, and the potential for legendary playoff battles make this rivalry one that could captivate fans and boost TV ratings for years to come. As the NBA navigates the challenges of maintaining viewership in a rapidly changing media landscape, Holmgren vs. Wembanyama could be the narrative that keeps the league at the forefront of sports entertainment.
