“Won’t even say the man’s name…” Victor Wembanyama’s 7-foot rival REVEALED by NBA Insider
NBA Insider Michael C. Wright revealed details of Victor Wembanyama's biggest rival in the NBA, ahead of their big-man matchup.
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Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama seems to be facing the inevitable sophomore slump. The San Antonio Spurs lost their latest matchup 93-105 to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the top seed in the Western Conference. The reigning Rookie of the Year finished with just six points on 1-5 shooting from the field and four turnovers. The highlight of the game, however, was the budding rivalry between the two 7-feet big men in the match.
According to ESPN’s Michael C. Wright, the French big man has been wary of speaking about Thunder star big man Chet Holmgren. Holmgren has been on fire to begin this season for the Thunder.
Wright reported that Victor Wembanyama has been cautious to not even mention the name of the OKC big man during interviews, so as to not draw added attention to the personal rivalry between the two.
Victor will not even say the man’s name. That’s pretty much been the theme ever since Victor Wembanyama arrived in San Antonio.
Victor Wright told ESPN’s Malika Andrews
"Victor will not even say the man's name." 😳 @malika_andrews with Michael C. Wright on the Victor Wembanyama-Chet Holmgren rivalry 👀 pic.twitter.com/gf5tkwmrHs
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 30, 2024
Holmgren thoroughly outplayed Wembanyama in their Wednesday night matchup. The Thunder star finished the game with 19 points on 7-10 shooting, while adding five rebounds, two steals and two blocks while draining three3 triples. He led from the front as the Thunder cruised past the Spurs.
Victor Wembanyama, on the other hand, continued his early season struggles. Wemby was touted as the favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year award, while also bagging some MVP nods by sportsbooks. However, his early season slump has been characterized by bad shooting and over reliance on his perimeter game. Wembanyama has averaged 16.5 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in four games so far this season.
Chet Holmgren responds to rivalry claims with Victor Wembanyama
The genesis of the Victor Wembanyama versus Chet Holmgren rivalry claims stemmed from their battle for the Rookie of the Year last season. The two big men were drafted two years apart, but competed in the same class for the award.
Their unicorn-like length and skillsets defined both players, making them a similar archetype on the floor. Following the Thunder victory, Holmgren responded to claims of the rivalry affecting the matchup between the two teams.
No matter what, it’s always going to be the Thunder versus our opponent… The NBA is a business. The league revolves around players competing on the court. It’s all about drawing crowds to watch the games. That’s how those matchups are sold. I perceive it merely as a marketing tactic.
Chet Holmgren said of the budding rivalry
Holmgren seems to be well aware of the NBA’s potential for marketing the rivalry between the two elite 7-foot unicorns. However, the Thunder star maintained his stance on treating the game just like any other opponent. While Victor Wembanyama also continues to try and apply the same ideology off the court, it’s not difficult to see both players add some extra sauce while facing each other.
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Armaan Gupta
(292 Articles Published)