3 Reasons why a revitalized Spurs-Thunder rivalry will be must-watch basketball

Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren

I can write full articles talking about how interesting Oklahoma City's young core is, or how the Spurs' newly-cemented direction could make the team look much better sooner rather than later, but if we're going to boil down the new Spurs-Thunder rivalry down to the main attraction, then it has to be the Victor Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren show we're about to witness.

Wembanyama and Holmgren have been pitted against each other dating back years now in international competition, and even then it was becoming quite clear that both players would go on to be top prospects in their respective draft classes. Being that they essentially play the same position, both are in the Western Conference, and will be making their NBA debuts in the same season, all indications point to a perfect storm for an intense rivalry.

To be clear, Wembanyama and Holmgren have different skill sets--particularly on offense--and likely won't quite shoulder the same responsibilities for their respective teams now or in the future. But that won't stop people from comparing the two slender big men as defensive anchors that can put the ball on the floor and shoot from deep. Nor will it stop the media from playing up their matchups to the highest degree possible, and I expect both players to fully buy into that hype, even if in reality it's a fun and respectful rivalry behind the scenes.