Udonis Haslem adds to the Chet Holmgren-Victor Vembanyama debate
The Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs lords of the Western Conference, and it’s no coincidence that they have two of the most talented young big men in the NBA Chet Holmgren and Victor Vembanyama.
Due to their similar age, build and skills, it’s easy to pit them against each other, and fans continue to debate who is better between Holmgren and Vembanyama.
Three-time NBA champion Udonis Haslem said he would give the Defensive Player of the Year trophy to Holmgren, who is averaging 1.6 blocks, noting its overall impact for Thunder.
“He’s fifth in blocked shots, the team is third in steals, but the thing about them being third in steals is Chet’s not going to get those steals, but he’s going to let Cason Wallace be aggressive, he’s going to let (Alex) Caruso be aggressive, J-Dub when you get all those geese William back (Jalen Williams). trench,” Haslem told NBA on Prime.
Haslem’s co-host, former NBA star Blake Griffin, told Haslem that his attempt would “pour some gasoline on the Chet vs. Wemby fire.”
“I don’t want smoke,” Haslem replied with a laugh.
It could be said that Haslem’s argument is for Holmgren could also be applied to Vembanyamawhich has an average of 2.7 blocks. His inside presence allowed Stephon Castle, Julian Champagnie and Dylan Harper to be aggressive on the ball.
The Spurs have had the Thunder’s number so far, winning three of four games this season.
2026-01-16 03:57:00
