Last season, one of the most talked-about rivalries in the NBA was between Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama and runner-up Chet Holmgren. Both players, known for their length, versatility, and dominance on both ends of the court, are expected to shape the future of the big-man position in the league. Each matchup between the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder was highly anticipated, drawing in fans eager to witness the clash of these two young stars. However, while their on-court battles were intense, the idea of a “beef” between them seemed more a product of fan and media speculation than reality.
Recently, Holmgren addressed these rumors head-on. In an appearance on Paul George’s podcast, Holmgren was asked about the competitive energy when facing Wembanyama. He clarified that while they’ve competed against each other internationally before their NBA careers and both are fierce competitors, there’s no personal animosity between them. Holmgren emphasized that a true “beef” involves actual issues and a desire for confrontation, neither of which exists between him and Wembanyama—at least not at this point.
Holmgren also touched on other topics, including the Rookie of the Year race. Addressing critics who claimed he wasn’t a true rookie due to missing the 2022-23 season with a leg injury, Holmgren asserted that if you’re playing in your first NBA game, you are a rookie. Despite the competition, Holmgren expressed that Wembanyama was deserving of the Rookie of the Year title, further dispelling any notion of a rivalry. He also noted that playing against someone as unique as Wembanyama, who stands 7’5”, requires adjustments different from facing a player of more typical NBA height.
For those interested, the full interview is available online, with Holmgren’s comments about Wembanyama beginning around the 29:00 mark and his remarks on the so-called “beef” starting at 32:06.
While Holmgren and Wembanyama may not have any personal issues, that doesn’t mean we won’t see a fierce rivalry develop between them on the court in the future. Both the Spurs and Thunder are in different stages of their rebuilds, with the Thunder slightly ahead. However, as they continue to develop, both teams are likely to be in contention for championships down the line, potentially reigniting the intense Spurs-Thunder rivalry of the 2010s.
With the Thunder’s core of Holmgren, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jalen Williams seemingly set, and the Spurs building around Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, and a yet-to-be-named third piece, the stage is set for these two teams to battle for supremacy in the Western Conference in the years to come. When that time arrives, the Spurs-Thunder rivalry will undoubtedly heat up once more.
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