Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren: History shows why star rookies can be NBA's next great rivalry

Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren are slated to potentially be the next great rivalry in the NBA.

The two big men will be competing for Rookie of the Year honors and if their previous history is any indication, they will put on a show every time they play each other. 

While their rivalry has already been fierce on the court, the two have expressed mutual respect for each other off it. 

"[Holmgren] is a really good player," Wembanyama told reporters before facing him in the preseason. "I played against him once a couple of years back. He's part of the great players of this generation."

“I plan on playing a long time, and I’m sure [Wembanyama] does too," Holmgren said after their preseason game. "So there’ll be no choice but to go back and forth.”

The two have been compared as draft prospects ever since both were highly scouted in their high school days. Here's how they've played against one another thus far. 

MORE: Rookie Rankings: Holmgren on Wembanyama's heels for No. 1 spot

Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren in the U19 FIBA Basketball World Cup

The two first faced off when Holmgren's USA team met Wembanyama's French team in the finals of the 2021 U19 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

At the time, Holmgren was considered the best high school prospect in the country and a potential No. 1 pick in the 2022 draft. Wembanyama was already considered a generational prospect and the future No. 1 pick in 2023. 

Holmgren had a decent game, scoring 10 points and recording five assists. He hit some 3s over Wembanyama but was mostly held in check. It was actually Kenneth Lofton Jr. who had the most success against Wembanyama. He used his size and strength to drop a team-high 16 points, including two post-up baskets backing down the French phenom. 

Wembanyama had the upper hand individually over everyone that day, scoring 22 points to go along with eight rebounds and an astounding eight blocks. He had two dunks over Holmgren and showcased a nice hook in the post.

Holmgren's U.S. team ended up winning 83-81 after Wembanyama fouled out with a little under three minutes left in the game. Holmgren took home the gold, along with the MVP trophy for the tournament. He looked worse for wear after the game. 

pic.twitter.com/B3SHhuWJW7

— Nico Pascual (@niccopascual) November 3, 2023

Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren in the 2023-24 NBA preseason

Wembanyama and Holmgren engaged in an electric battle in both of their preseason debuts on Oct. 9, 2023. Wembanyama had 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting, while Holmgren dropped 21 points in 16 minutes. 

MORE: Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren stats in preseason debut shows why the hype is real

The two engaged in a back-and-forth all game, hitting back-to-back 3s and flexing on each other after made baskets.

Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren is fun. pic.twitter.com/IkEIHWwCUu

— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) October 10, 2023

The most memorable play of the game was when Wembanyama head-butted Holmgren, finishing through contact and drawing the foul. Holmgren joked after the game that the move was unstoppable. 

The headbutt is an unstoppable move fasho😂😂🤝 https://t.co/Oaz7Mz8f57

— chet holmgren (@ChetHolmgren) October 10, 2023

"I know it's just preseason, but for sure the games against OKC are going to be interesting," Wembanyama said afterward.

Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren stats

Here are Wembanyama and Holmgren's per-game averages entering their first regular-season NBA matchup:

Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren regular season matchups

The Spurs and Thunder play four times in the 2023-24 season. Their first meeting will be on TNT on Nov. 14 as part of the In-Season Tournament group play stage. Their second matchup is on Jan. 24 on ABC. 

Here is their full slate of games (all times Eastern Time):

• Nov. 15 at Oklahoma City (7:30 p.m. on TNT)
• Jan. 24 at San Antonio (8:30 p.m. on ABC)
• Feb. 29 at San Antonio (8:30 p.m.)
• April 10 at Oklahoma City (8:00 p.m.)