"That's when you start putting your print on the league" - Kevin Garnett favors Chet Holmgren to win ROTY over Victor Wembanyama
Despite Kevin Garnett leaning towards Chet Holmgren for the 2024 ROY award, he is genuinely impressed by the tremendous influence and fan following that Victor Wembanyama has generated. In 'The Big Ticket's' view, Wemby's impact on his team has been far superior to that of the Gonzaga star.
"I'm picking Chet for the Rookie of the Year, and I'm only saying it because his team in winning… Then two, why you watch the Spurs? I'm only watching Spurs for one person," Garnett said on 'Ticket and The Truth Podcast.' "I watch the Spurs because of the Big Fella, and Big Fella brings a show every night. Bro when you come in and start doing sh*t that none of us or the whole fraternity ain't seen, that's when you start putting your print on the league."
Paul Pierce on Victor Wembanyama
Despite the San Antonio Spurs having a challenging season with only 8 wins out of 43 games, Paul Pierce acknowledged that Wembanyama's impact on winning games might not be as profound as that of Holmgren and Miami Heat's Jaime Jacquez Jr. However, the fact that he is averaging 20.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and a league-high 3.2 blocks per game showcases his historic impact.
More importantly, 'The Truth' feels the 7'4" center's performance is even more impressive, considering he has just entered the league.
"This historic year that Wemby is having, only a few rookies that come in averaging 20 and 10… maybe he's not impacting winning but for you to come into the league with no experience as a rookie and be out here," Pierce said. "You know, hard it to get 20 and 10, you gotta mature into that."
Shaq picked Wemby over Chet
KG and Pierce aren't the sole admirers of Wemby's performances; even Shaquille O'Neal has also sided with the Frenchman over the 7'1" forward during the NBA on TNT's crew's discussion.
"(The 2024 ROY) Has to go to Victor," O'Neal said. "Has to go to Victor. You know, team-wise, of course, you know, Chet's playing on a great team. Spurs are not great. But individual, it's a slight edge to Victor."
That being said, while the 21-year-old might be leading the 2024 ROY race, there's no doubt that Holmgren is still well and truly in the race.
