Why Victor Wembanyama hates Chet Holmgren so much

Key Points:

• Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama, two exceptional young NBA big men, have developed a fierce rivalry that dates back to their teenage years and international competitions like the 2021 U19 FIBA World Cup.
• Holmgren, known for his unique combination of rim protection and three-point shooting, was the No. 2 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and helped lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a championship in his third season.
• Wembanyama, a 7’5 French phenom with unprecedented defensive and offensive skills, was the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and is considered one of the most dominant defenders in basketball history.
• Their rivalry intensified during the 2025-26 NBA season, highlighted by the Spurs defeating the Thunder multiple times and a memorable double-overtime Game 1 victory in the 2026 Western Conference Finals, where Wembanyama showcased his dominance.
• The ongoing Spurs-Thunder matchups featuring Wembanyama and Holmgren are widely regarded as one of the most compelling rivalries in sports, with Wembanyama currently holding a slight edge in their head-to-head NBA meetings.