Why Victor Wembanyama has a stronger ROY case than Chet Holmgren

At the midway point of the season, San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama has the edge over Oklahoma City's Chet Holmgren for the NBA Rookie of the Year Award, per the KIA NBA Rookie Ladder. Some Vegas oddsmakers, including BetMGM, give Holmgren the edge. 

Each player has made a huge impact, but Wembanyama's case for the award is stronger than that of Holmgren. 

On a team with impressive, young talent, the 21-year-old Holmgren has averaged 17.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 30 minutes a game. The Thunder (28-13) are second in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, Wembanyama averages 19.8 points, 10.1 rebounds and a league-leading 3.1 blocks in 28.5 minutes per game. The Spurs (7-33), who play at Charlotte on Friday night, are last in the West.  

Playing with facilitators such as MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (6.3 APG), Josh Giddey (4.7 APG) and Jalen Williams (4.5 APG), Holmgren is rarely required to create on his own. He can get to his spots and find his own rhythm. 

The Spurs have young talent as well, but not nearly as skilled as the Thunder's. With Jeremy Sochan and Tre Jones as their only true point guards, San Antonio lacks facilitators, meaning that Wembanyama must often create his own shots.

San Antonio has quality contributors in Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson, but neither consistently runs the offense. Only 20, Wembanyama carries the team – and he's doing it on a minutes restriction from head coach Gregg Popovich, who is taking a cautious approach with the rookie's development.

"He is unlike any other 20-year-old I have ever been around," Popovich said earlier this week, per KENS5.com. "His high IQ, maturity and the way he takes accountability for his play is promising."

Popovich said that Wembanyama reminds him of former Spurs stars Tim Duncan and David Robinson – both in the Basketball Hall of Fame.

"[T]hey all care more about the process and how to improve rather than individual stature," explained the longtime Spurs coach.

Without a minutes restriction, Wembanyama probably would have raw numbers far greater than Holmgren's. 

Of course, the Rookie of the Year debate won't be truly settled for months. In the end, San Antonio's lousy record may hurt Wembanyama's case. Perhaps Wednesday's Thunder-Spurs game in San Antonio will shed more light on the state of the race.