NBA Rookie Ladder: Victor Wembanyama takes early lead in race between unicorns

2. Chet Holmgren, C, Oklahoma City Thunder

After missing all of last season, Chet Holmgren is considered a rookie this year. Holmgren was officially the second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and has made quite the impact in what is technically the first season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. In six games played (starting each of them), Holmgren is averaging an impressive 17 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks per game on 63 percent shooting from the field and 57 percent shooting from 3-point range.

As the Thunder look to take another step forward in their progression as a team, Holmgren was always expected to play a vital role. And so far, there’s an argument to be made that he’s outplayed his expectations. Many believed that Holmgren would make an immediate impact for the Thunder, but I’m not sure anyone envisioned that he would be the team’s second-leading scorer through the first two weeks of the season.

There’s a very real chance that Holmgren ends up winning the NBA’s Rookie of the Year. He’s clearly in a two-unicorn race at the moment with Victor Wembanyama.