How Chet Holmgren Can Get Back Into Rookie of the Year Race

Chet Holmgren’s chances of winning Rookie of the Year are slim, but a path remains.

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s center has been one of the biggest difference makers for the team this season. After missing last season with an injury, Holmgren has transformed the Thunder’s attack on both ends in his first 54 games.

He has averaged 16.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks this season. While his stats have been impressive, he has also made some of the biggest plays for the Thunder throughout their run to the top of the Western Conference standings.

Although Holmgren might be the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year in most seasons, Victor Wembanyama has already made his mark on the league. The 2023 No. 1 pick is the future of the San Antonio Spurs and is poised to win the Wilt Chamberlain Trophy.

Wembanyama is averaging 20.5 points and 10 rebounds while leading the league in blocks at 3.2. With numerous highlights, the 7-foot-4 star has already become one of the league’s most exciting players.

With the All-Star break, both rookies can prepare for the final stretch of the season. Although Holmgren has a lot of ground to make up, the last two months of the season could still turn into a heated race.

It will be difficult, but Holmgren will need to have some big games. Not only does he need big games to increase his averages, but also Wembanyama has signature performances that have helped him become the clear frontrunner.

With 26 double-doubles, Wembanyama has 12 more than Holmgren, including two triple-doubles. Although Holmgren’s scoring numbers are partially a product of playing on one of the league’s best teams, that typically isn’t something voters consider.

However, if the Thunder can finish as the No. 1 seed in the West, that could sway some voters toward the Gonzaga product.

Still, Holmgren’s best opportunity to win the award might be out of his control. To qualify for end-of-season honors, players must play at least 65 games.

Wembanyama has missed only six games this season and would have to miss nearly half of the Spurs’ remaining games to miss the threshold. It is unlikely that the No. 1 pick will fail to qualify, but if both continue to play at this level, it might be Holmgren’s only chance to win.

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