Video: Chet Holmgren denies ‘feud’ with Victor Wembanyama, ‘will always fight’ | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumours

Chet Holmgren confirmed his burgeoning rivalry with San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama doesn’t extend off the field.

“We’re always going to compete and if people see it as if we’re having a fight, I don’t think those people really understand what competing is,” the Oklahoma City Thunder star said during an appearance on the latest edition of Paul George’s Podcast P, Organized by Wave Sports + Entertainment.

While the two tall forwards weren’t drafted in the same class, they did share the same rookie season after Holmgren suffered a Lisfranc injury in his right foot, which required surgery and forced him to miss the 2022-23 season.

Wembanyama unanimously won the 2024 Rookie of the Year award, though the Thunder forward collected 98 of a possible 99 votes for second place. Both players earned spots on the All-Rookie First Team.

Holmgren and Wembanyama have similar skill sets, using their long wingspans to block shots at the rim, but can also handle the ball well and shoot efficiently from the three-point line.

Last season, they faced each other three times, with the Thunder winning two of the games. While Oklahoma City won the season series, Wembanyama averaged 20.0 points and 13.0 rebounds against them. The individual battle between Holmgren and the former No. 1 overall pick did not disappoint either, with several memorable moments.

While Wembanyama looks to lead the Spurs to a playoff spot after adding players like Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes in the offseason, Holmgren will look to help the Thunder defend their status as the reigning No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

The two big men are expected to engage in several more exciting duels, although Holmgren revealed that there is no animosity between them.