NBA rookie rankings expose the gigantic unspoken truth

In the recent NBA rookie rankings revealed by NBA.com, the spotlight again falls on the undeniable prowess of San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama. Emerging as the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year for the second consecutive week, Wembanyama's stellar performance stands out, even more so considering the elephant in the room—his age.

Despite missing one of the four games, Wembanyama's numbers speak volumes, averaging an impressive 20 points, 13.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and four blocks in the three games played over the last week. What sets him apart, especially in the face of competition from older rookies, is the raw talent, poise, and tenacity he brings to the court.

The hidden reality lies in Wembanyama's youth

Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder, second in the rankings, is turning 22 in May, bringing age and experience to the table. Meanwhile, Jaime Jaquez Jr. for the Miami Heat, ranking third, is turning 23 in February. Wembanyama, at a tender age, defies the expectations, outplaying his older counterparts with an average of 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks on the season.

The French rookie's age is a factor that should theoretically put him at a disadvantage against more seasoned opponents. However, Wemby not only holds his ground but dominates the rookie field. Jaime Jaquez Jr. averages 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Chet Holmgren records 16.9 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks this season.

The two runner-ups are both on teams performing better than the Spurs, but the understanding of team success in rookie of the year debates has been established as a non-factor.

There has been support for Holmgren to win the award, but he is not outperforming Wembanyama. To imply otherwise is a deviation from reality. Since you have not been supplied Holmgren or Jaquez's numbers from over the last week in this article, you may feel inclined to look them up, yourself, wondering if they were actually better than Wemby's but I can answer that question for you easily. No.

As the NBA Rookie Rankings echo the resounding success of Victor Wembanyama, it's evident that his youth is not a hindrance but a defining factor in his meteoric rise. The unspoken truth is loud and clear—Wembanyama's age, far from being an elephant in the room, is the trump card that elevates his claim for Rookie of the Year.