As Victor Wembanyama entered his first year in the NBA, the basketball world eagerly awaited his debut, wondering if he could live up to the towering expectations that surrounded him. The rookie wasted no time in making waves, showcasing his skills and potential right from the start.
However, comparisons to Chet Holmgren, another highly-touted prospect, began to surface as well. Amid this ongoing discussion, Gilbert Arenas, the former NBA superstar, decided to weigh in on the matter. With his sharp wit and basketball acumen, Arenas posed a simple yet thought-provoking point, dividing the fanbase with their own opinions.
Gilbert Arenas provides verdict to Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren comparison
Gilbert Arenas, a former NBA player and known for his bold claims, has provided a definitive answer to the ongoing comparison between Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. The two towering rookies have garnered attention for their remarkable size and guard-like skills on the court. However, Arenas believes that these comparisons are premature and unjustified.
During his podcast, Arenas highlighted the age difference between the two players as a crucial factor in assessing their potential. With Victor Wembanyama at 19 and Holmgren at 21, their career paths have diverged greatly.
“They’re not even on the same planet right now. We are just judging it because they’re both rookies. We have to use age as a factor. One is in the NBA with all this pressure and the other at 19 was in college,” Arenas said.
Arenas questioned what Holmgren looked like when he was 19, emphasizing that he was not in the NBA, nor averaging 19 points like Wembanyama currently is. He stressed the importance of evaluating Wembanyama’s potential growth and development over the next couple of years.
Another contrasting aspect that Arenas pointed out was the difference in their basketball backgrounds. Victor Wembanyama, having never played college basketball, honed his skills in the professional leagues of France. On the other hand, Holmgren, despite being in the NBA for two years, missed his first season due to a leg injury.
“One is 19, one is 21. What did the 21 year old look like when he was 19?” Arenas said. “He was not in the NBA averaging 19, I’ll tell you that. What is Wemby going to look like at 21? That is what we are going to judge Chet against,” Arenas further added.
While both players possess immense talent, Arenas suggests that it is premature to compare them due to their distinct career paths and age differences. He believes they are currently on completely different levels and cautions against drawing conclusions solely based on their rookie status.
Wemby’s season so far
Victor Wembanyama, the highly anticipated basketball talent from France, has made waves in his debut NBA season with the San Antonio Spurs. Selected as the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft, Wembanyama’s recruitment signaled the beginning of a promising career in the world’s most prestigious basketball league.
Among his early achievements, Wembanyama became the first French player ever to be drafted as the number one pick. This accomplishment not only showcases his exceptional abilities but also highlights the increasing global reach of the NBA.
As the starting center for the Spurs, Wembanyama wasted no time making an impact on the court. The 2023-24 season has seen him consistently contribute to the team’s success, posting impressive stats.
With an average of 19.3 points per game, he currently ranks 44th in scoring among all NBA players. Additionally, his proficiency on the boards has been notable, averaging 9.7 rebounds per game, placing him 15th in the league.
In addition to his scoring and rebounding capabilities, Wembanyama has displayed solid passing skills, averaging 2.6 assists per game. This well-rounded performance speaks to his versatility and further solidifies his position as a key contributor to the Spurs’ game plan.
Although Victor Wembanyama’s field goal percentage currently ranks 109th in the league at 43.7%, as a rookie, he is adjusting to the intensity of NBA competition, and with time and experience, it is expected that his shooting efficiency will improve.
