In an expected outcome, Victor Wembanyama clinched the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year title unanimously, joining the elite group of players who achieved this feat. Following closely in second place was Chet Holmgren, formerly of Gonzaga’s men’s basketball team, securing 98 out of 99 second-place votes. Holmgren, drafted as the No. 2 pick in 2022, missed the entire 2022-23 season due to a Lisfranc fracture, making him eligible for this season’s Rookie of the Year honor.
At 22 years old, Holmgren delivered an outstanding performance throughout the season, boasting averages of 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, and 2.4 assists while starting in all 82 games for the Oklahoma City team during the regular season. His contributions helped propel the Thunder to the top seed in the Western Conference. Currently, the Thunder are engaged in the Western Conference semifinals against the Dallas Mavericks, with the series commencing Tuesday night.
Securing second place marks the closest a former Gonzaga player has come to claiming the NBA Rookie of the Year title. Previously, Adam Morrison finished fourth in 2007, and Brandon Clarke also finished fourth in 2020.
Discussing Holmgren’s impact, Dan Dickau shared on a recent episode of Gonzaga Nation, “His ability to influence the game is truly admirable and commendable.”
Echoing this sentiment, Andrew Nembhard, a former Gonzaga guard, praised his college teammate earlier in the season, stating, “He epitomizes the versatility of today’s league, with players assuming various roles regardless of their size or position, such as smaller players setting screens and rolling, and bigger players excelling at shooting three-pointers, executing off-ball screens, and showcasing exceptional passing skills.”
