'Look Each Other in the Eye': Dwyane Wade Issues Old-School Challenge to Chet and Wemby

Wembanyama hasn’t publicly addressed his rivalry with Holmgren, but he has often made it clear from his on-court activities.

From going direct at the Thunder big man and clapping and yapping anytime Holmgren misses his free throws. His dislike for Chet is pretty much out in the open. Now Wade wants Holmgren to embrace that rivalry.

“And I feel like we love Wimby, because Wimby comes from that smoke. But ultimately, man, Chet, he’s having an incredible year. Having the success that they’re having, his consistency this year, this, to me, is his best year,” Wade added. “And I think he’s ready for this, but also, too, like, he got to understand, Wimby wants the smoke.”

So far in this Western Conference Finals series, Wembanyama has been the best player on both teams.

On the other hand, Holmgren is having the worst series of this postseason. He has never crossed the 20-point mark in all seven games in this series. 

Marc J. Spears reveals Victor Wembanyama’s motivation involving Chet Holmgren

In July 2021, a 17-year-old Wembanyama faced Holmgren in the FIBA U-19 World Cup gold-medal game. Holmgren was representing Team USA while Wemby was representing the French national team. The USA won the gold medal, and Holmgren was named the tournament MVP. 

According to NBA insider Marc J. Spears, the Spurs star’s rivalry with Holmgren started from that day. 

“They’ve been going back to under 20s, under 18 even, right? And Chet got a championship. Wemby doesn’t have a championship,” Spears said. “So I was told by somebody inside that room that Wemby is motivated by Chet. Chet having one up on him in the championship.”

However, when reporters asked Wembanyama if there was rivalry between the two, he had the most savage answer.

“At least from a basketball standpoint, it’s not even close,” he said. 

Both have established themselves as elite two-way stars and defensive anchors. But Wemby has been dominant on both ends, and he is right so far. Chet has a lot to do to reach Wemby’s level.

Now that Wemby is yet again facing him for the Conference title, he might use the 2021 World Cup as his motivation.