Lou Williams recently shared his perspective on the Rookie of the Year race during an appearance on the ‘Run It Back’ TV show, focusing on the competition between Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. According to Williams, Wembanyama needs to elevate the Spurs’ performance and secure more victories to be a serious contender for the prestigious award.
“He gotta win some games. Listen, he’s playing well. And so if you’re giving Chet an opportunity to even match the production that he has or it’s slightly under the radar a little bit, it’s going to go to Chet because of that record and because of that winning.”
“We’re talking about these stats and we’re showing the highlights. These are in losses. And unfortunately, he’s the best player on that team. So he’s being held to a high standard, especially when it comes to award season.”
“If he wants to win rookie of the year,he’s the best player. He’s going to have to carry them.”
"If [Victor Wembanyama] wants to win Rookie of the Year, he has to win. He's the best player, he's gonna have to carry them."@TeamLou23 says Wemby isn't beating Chet in the ROTY race unless he gets some wins 🤷♂️
📺: https://t.co/wdT8I0ST8g pic.twitter.com/Xn1GtxNaQV
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) January 18, 2024
Williams emphasized that despite Wembanyama’s impressive individual statistics, the rookie’s chances are hindered by the Spurs’ lackluster team performance. Currently, the Spurs find themselves at the bottom of the Western Conference with a disappointing record of 7-33, diminishing Wembanyama’s impact in the Rookie of the Year race.
Comparing the two rookies, Williams acknowledged the similarity in their statistical contributions. Wembanyama is averaging 19.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 3.1 blocks per game, showcasing his versatile skill set. On the other hand, Holmgren boasts a slightly more efficient performance, averaging 17.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.7 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game while shooting at an impressive 54.8% from the field and 38.7% from beyond the arc.
The critical factor, according to Williams, is the team’s success, and Holmgren benefits from being the second-best player on a Thunder team with a solid record of 27-13, currently securing a playoff spot.
To improve his Rookie of the Year chances, Williams suggests that Wembanyama needs to carry the struggling Spurs, turning individual brilliance into team success. The pressure is on Wembanyama to not only showcase his exceptional skills but also lead his team to victories, ultimately influencing the Rookie of the Year race.
The Spurs Need To Play Through Victor Wembanyama
The Spurs, positioned as the 15th seed in the Western Conference, are currently facing a challenging season, and there’s a growing consensus that they need to increase their reliance on Victor Wembanyama for both offensive and defensive contributions. Despite already leading the team in attempts per game (15.9) and boasting a team-high usage rate (31.0), Wembanyama is averaging only 28.5 minutes per game.
Wembanyama, standing at an impressive 7-foot-4, has already established himself as a defensive phenom, showcasing his shot-blocking prowess. However, many believe that there is untapped potential in his offensive game that the Spurs should exploit further. Over the last nine games, Wembanyama has demonstrated his offensive capability by scoring over 20 points in eight of those contests, highlighting his scoring consistency and efficiency.
The call to increase Wembanyama’s workload is not about overwhelming him with pressure but recognizing and maximizing his offensive prowess. Elevating his shot attempts to 20 per game and extending his playing time to around 32 minutes per game could potentially unlock additional dimensions in Wembanyama’s game. This strategic shift could not only enhance the Spurs’ offensive productivity but also contribute to Wembanyama’s individual growth and development.
With Wembanyama playing an expanded role, there is optimism that the Spurs could potentially climb up from their current 15th seed position in the Western Conference. By capitalizing on Wembanyama’s skills and providing him with more opportunities, the Spurs aim to create a more formidable presence on both ends of the court, fostering a path to improvement and a higher standing in the competitive Western Conference.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
