Chet Holmgren at top of 'hit list' for rising NBA superstar ahead of 2024-25

Chet Holmgren put forth a phenomenal debut season with the OKC Thunder in 2023-24.

Making his way into the history books with his high-end versatility, the big man posted sensational per-game averages of 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks on 53.0 percent shooting from the floor and 37.0 percent shooting from deep while playing all 82 games on the year.

Had it not been for the astounding productivity of fellow frontcourt standout, Victor Wembanyama, it's almost certain that Holmgren would have run away with the Rookie of the Year award

Alas, the 22-year-old fell short of such an accomplishment, as he finished second behind the San Antonio juggernaut in the voting turnout by a whopping 200 total points (495 to 295).

Because of this storyline, many are looking to Holmgren and Wembanyama as being the league's next great individual rivalry, and, though the former may be downplaying any friction between the two, the folks at Air Alamo believe Wemby should have his sights set on widening the gap between him and the Thunder center heading into 2024-25.

Thunder big Chet Holmgren at top of Victor Wembanyama's 'hit list'

In the piece, writer Cal Durrett delved into the easy comparisons between Wembanyama and Holmgren, citing their over 7-foot frames and innate and elite abilities to "score in several ways as well as swat shots like no one's business."

While on the one hand, having such similar players be attached to up-and-coming squads that reside in the same conference should make for some seriously entertaining showdowns over the next decade to come, Durrett is of the impression that 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."

Because of this, A.A. believes that heading into his sophomore campaign, one of the main priorities for the French phenom should be to try and widen the gap between him and Holmgren, specifically highlighting the four matchups the two parties are slated to partake in between October and April as dates that hold significant influence on the rivalry.

As things currently stand, Chet and the Thunder have the upper hand in head-to-heads, as OKC has gone 3-1 in the four they've played thus far.

However, from an individual perspective, Wembanyama has proven to be the superior producer in such outings, as he's gone on to drop 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 3.6 blocks compared to Holmgren's 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks averages.

Nevertheless, Durrett suggests there's work that still needs to be done for the Spurs star to separate himself and land in a much-desired comfort zone away from Holmgren, which is why he has the Thunder big at number one on the reigning ROY's "hit list."

Regardless of how things play out with this objective, both Spurs and Thunder fans are destined to be treated to must-watch matchups for years to come. OKC will be starting up their preseason with a matchup against San Antonio on October 7, while their first matchup of the regular season will be held on October 30.