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Victor Wembanyama has made a bright start to the season with the San Antonio Spurs, leading the team to four consecutive victories. While the French phenom aims to make his mark on the league this year, one NBA insider believes Chet Holmgren’s championship win has become a hidden source of motivation for him. According the ESPN's Marc Spears, Wembanyama is hungrier than ever and is mostly down to Holmgren winning the title with the Thunder last season. "I was told by somebody inside that room that Wemby is motivated by Chet. Chet having one up on him on the championship," Spears reported. Wembanyama and Holmgren have been rivals since 2021, first facing off at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Latvia. They furthered this rivalry in the NBA as they battled for the Rookie of the Year award in 2024, which the Frenchman won over Holmgren and Brandon Miller. However, Holmgren one-upped Wembanyama last term as his OKC Thunder team clinched the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers in seven games. This has reportedly lit a fire under Wemby as he looks to get on par with Holmgren this term. The 2025 NBA All-Star has started the season strongly, averaging 31.0 points and 13.8 rebounds per game as the Spurs remain unbeaten in the league. San Antonio and Oklahoma City remain the only undefeated teams in the Western Conference as Wembanyama aims for a fifth straight win against the Miami Heat on Thursday. Considering their history, size and similar play styles, it is no surprise that Wembanyama considers Holmgren a rival. With both players seen as the prototypes of the modern NBA big man, this could mark the beginning of a compelling new rivalry. Chet Holmgren once set the record straight on his "beef" with Victor Wembanyama OKC Thunder Chet Holmgren has emerged as one of the best centers in the NBA today. The big man alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaylen Williams has formed a big three in Oklahoma, delivering a title to the franchise after four decades. However, Holmgren's rivalry with Victor Wembanyama has turned many heads and he set the record straight about their relationship during an appearance on Paul George’s podcast in 2024. "We played against each other before we were even in the NBA. People will be like 'Y'all got beef?'" Holmgren said. "We're out there competing, but beef means like when I see you, we're fighting. Why do I have beef with him? I honestly don't even know the guy." Despite his claims, the duo often go at each other during games and have formed a budding rivalry.
