This years Rookie of the year candidates, Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren have been two of the most impressive and dynamic rookies in a long time. Though one appears to have the upper hand in the award race as of late. Both rookies have been impressive this season with Wembanyama averaging 20.5 points and 10 rebounds per game and Holmgren averaging 16.7 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. However, a recent generational performance by the French phenom may have put the debate over this year's rookie of the year race to an end.
Victor Wembanyama's performance on Monday night against the Toronto Raptors is just the latest example of why he was the greatest draft prospect entering the draft since Lebron James. Wembanyama had a terrific game with 27 points, 14 rebounds and a career-high 10 blocks and his second triple-double. It was a rare performance not just in NBA history but especially for a rookie as he is the first rookie since Spurs legend David Robinson to record a triple-double with 10 blocks. The last time a player had even recorded 10 blocks in a game was on Jan. 22nd 2021 when Clint Capela had 13 points, 19 rebounds and 10 blocks for Atlanta against Minnesota.
Wembanyama helped snap a 7 game losing streak for the San Antonio Spurs and showed off his all around game which seemed to impress his head coach, Gregg Popovich. “Obviously he’s an all-around, talented player. He’s got a great feel for the game and it shows in a variety of ways, whether it’s passing or making decisions, blocking shots.” Wembanyama not only leads all rookies in scoring but also leads the NBA in blocks with 3.2 blocks per game which should certainly give him consideration for the defensive player of the year award. Besides the incredible stat line he put up he was also extremely efficient hitting 10 of his 14 shot attempts in just 29 minutes while also dishing out 5 assists and getting two steals. No player has had a stat line like this since the great Hakeem Olajuwon who was the last player to record 20 points, 10 rebounds, 10 blocks and five assists game on April 13th, 1996.
Though their is still a lot season left to play, I believe this performance basically concluded any doubt that Wembanyama is most deserving of the Rookie of the Year award.
Source: NBA YouTube Channel
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