5 rivals who should be on Wembanyama’s hit list next season with the Spurs

1) Chet Holmgren

Before Wembanyama put the Rookie of the Year conversation away last season, Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren was a threat to steal the award away. Given how young both he and the Thunder are, he could be a long-term rival to Wembanyama and the Spurs for years to come. Holmgren, like Wembanyana, is a highly skilled 7'0 player who can score in several ways as well as swat shots like no one's business.

That makes them an easy comparison. Having someone who seems capable of guarding Wembanyama and going at him on offense could prove to be a challenge to the Spurs and their hopes of dominating the Western Conference.

Still, Wemby can make a statement in each of the Spurs and Thunders' four games next season, proving that Holmgrem is not like him. If that is the case, then San Antonio's future chances of going toe-to-toe with the Thunder improve with OKC having trouble stopping Wembanyama.

That would make things easier for the likes of Devin Vassell or other Spurs who aren't necessarily able to create shots for themselves. That might put a lot of pressure on those matchups between Holmgren and Wembanyama, but Wembanyama showing that Holmgren isn't on his level is important to San Antonio's future title aspirations.