Chet Holmgren’s reason why Victor Vembanyama is so motivated this year

San Antonio Spurs All-Star Victor Vembanyama watched Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren — the second overall pick in 2022 in his same draft class — won his first championship last season. Fast forward through the first week of the 2025-26 campaign, Vembanyama is the Western Conference Player of the Week. With a chip on his shoulder and a 3-0 start to the season, Victor is ready for a signature year.

It’s the start of an impressive regular season, which ESPN’s Mark Spears reports is a byproduct additional motivationafter Holmgren and the Thunder’s championship last season, Spears said, according to Bleacher Report.

“Someone in that room told me that Wemby is motivated by Chet. Chet is fighting him for the championship,” Spears said.

After a blood clot ended his season last year, Wembanjama has been focused on leading Spurs into the upper echelon of the competitive Western Conference in 2025-26. Vembanjama believes his game has reached new heights since his rookie season. He thinks that’s what led to it such an impressive starthe said, according to Spurs reporter Hector Ledesma.

“I feel like it’s a mix of game knowledge, recognition, patterns on the field and, obviously, physical development,” Wembanyama said. “If I could, if I could have done it when I was 19 or 16, anytime, I would have done it. I mean, I would have tried to do it,” continued Spurs’ top scorer for each of the last two seasons.

“But there are some things that just take time, and I’m able to do it now. The proof is there, so there’s no reason not to.”

Fresh from a performance that stunned the sporting world, Wemby explains his continued rise…

“A mixture of knowledge, games, recognition…
If I could have done it at 19… I would have done it… now I’m able, the proof is here…” ⬇#Spurs pic.twitter.com/tDDISegIj2

— Hector Ledesma (@HectorLedesmaTV) October 23, 2025

Three games into the regular season, Chet Holmgren is averaging 33.3 points, 11.7 rebounds and a league-leading 6.0 blocks.

Victor Wembanyama addresses his Spurs teammates

Spurs All-Star Victor Wembanyama accepts the pressure that comes with being the No. 1 overall pick, especially when you’re considered the NBA’s next-generation talent. For Vembanyama, it is his responsibility to play at a high level for his team.

“I felt like I had to make a statement to my teammates,” Vembanyama said. “It’s also just the beginning because I have a lot more I want to add to my game, but some things take time and maturity.”

The Spurs will look to be 4-0 when they take on the Raptors on Monday.