The attention that Victor Wembanyama has received over the last year and a half has been palpable, as many expect him to become the face of the NBA within a few years. His physical profile and well-rounded skill set is undoubtedly tantalizing, and there’s every reason to believe that he will go on to accomplish great things.
However, there’s a realistic possibility that the San Antonio Spurs’ new center doesn’t take the league by storm right away. Betting on Wembanyama to win Rookie of the Year seems like a lock, but there are other factors to consider that might lead to another player receiving that honor.
Keeping Wemby Healthy
Rightfully so, the Spurs’ organization is looking to have Wembanyama as a cornerstone of the franchise for the next decade plus. They will likely do whatever it takes to protect their investment to ensure that this dream becomes a reality. Head coach Gregg Popovich has been a supporter of giving his players strategic rest throughout the season in order to maintain their long-term health.
These factors, coupled with the notion that San Antonio isn’t likely to be a playoff team next season, are all legitimate reasons why Wembanyama may not see the floor as much as some of his rookie counterparts. While this approach might help him stay healthy over the course of his career, it could negatively affect him from the standpoint of winning Rookie of the Year.
Scoot Steals The Show
Some high-profile NBA names have made their opinions on Wembanyama clear, positing that they find it hard to believe that he will live up to the immense hype. Time will tell in that regard, but the Portland Trail Blazers also feel like they added a generational talent to their roster as well with the selection of guard Scoot Henderson.
Portland appears to be on the verge of moving on from perennial All-Star Damian Lillard, which means that Henderson should have the keys to the Blazers’ car. Henderson figures to handle the ball quite a bit as a rookie, with the opportunity to post some huge numbers right away in the points and assists department. Given his smaller stature, he also feels like less of an injury risk than Wembanyama.
A Technicality Looms Large
There’s another big man who will be in the mix for Rookie of the Year, who many believe has talent comparable to Wembanyama. The Oklahoma City Thunder will welcome Chet Holmgren back into the fold this season, who missed all of 2022-2023 with a foot injury he suffered last offseason. Because he didn’t suit up for any games last year, Holmgren is eligible to win the award in his first actual season on the floor.
It’s going to be interesting to see how Holmgren’s career begins, and whether his production will take some of the luster off of Wembanyama’s game. It also stands to reason that the Thunder will be closer to the postseason hunt than the Spurs will, which might help Holmgren’s case if the race for the honor is close.
