As the new NBA season draws closer, the anticipated performances of the 2023 draft picks are turning everyone’s heads. People expect top draft picks like Victor Wembanyama to prove their prospects in their upcoming rookie season. While fans ride the hype train surrounding Wemby, LA Clippers star Paul George begs to differ. In the latest episode of Podcast P, George chose the 2022 second-overall pick Chet Holmgren as his favorite Rookie of the Year prospect.
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While Wemby might be the most highly-rated rookie next season, George had previously stated how the French prodigy might face difficulties starting in the league. Though he does not dismiss the idea of Wembanyama as a future star, Paul George thinks Wemby might have difficulty transitioning his game to suit the requirements of the NBA.
Paul George rates Thunders’ prospect Chet Holmgren as his ROTY prospect
In the Podcast, Paul George discussed the immense pool of talents that will feature as rookies this upcoming season. Adding on this topic, PG13 revealed who among the several star players is his favorite in winning the ‘Rookie of the Year’ award.
George had many players, including Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, Brandon Miller, and Scoot Henderson. But surprisingly, Paul thinks the 2022 Thunders’ second overall pick, Chet Holmgren, is the best prospect in this category.
“I mean, it’s gonna come down [to] who’s gonna play more. I’m gonna go with Chet. Just because I think he [Chet Holgrem] is gonna play a ton, they’re going to be a winning team, and the way they play, it’s going to be fun to watch. And so I think he’s going to get a lot of coverage. Because he plays both hands, he blocks more shots, he’s litlle bit more polished, and further along, I think Wemby’s going to have a little learning curve. I know Chet didn’t play much due to the injury his rookie year. But being in the league, seeing the game up close for a year, it’s going to give him that much more of a head start.”
Though Holmgren was supposed to play his rookie year in the 2022-23 season, a Lisfranc injury in his foot made him miss his first season in the league. Despite a delayed start to the league, Chet Holmgren is expected to do wonders for his team and prove himself to be a future All-Star. However, there are several NBA players who have their doubts about the rookie.
Paul George and Draymond Green once deconstructed Wemby’s weakness in the league
Victor Wembanyama has captured the attention of the NBA community as the most hyped draft prospect since LeBron James. The 2023 first-overall pick is considered a ‘unicorn’ among several talented players. With his towering 7’4″ height and incredible prowess, the expectations from the French prodigy are high. However, Draymond Green, alongside Paul George, broke down an ingenious strategy to guard Wemby.
“You’re just not dribbling through me like the Harlem Globetrotters, I’m sorry. You gotta press up into him[Wembanyama]. If you let him get comfortable, you lose. Because you not blocking his shot. He may not even see your contest. I’m crowding him from the time he runs up and down the court.”
But don’t let Paul George and Draymond Green’s comments believe they are dismissing his talents. Green believes that Wemby’s unique shot-blocking ability is his greatest USP, which will earn him the money for his potential.
