2023/24 NBA Rookie Rankings: Chet Holmgren trails Victor Wembanyama

There has been a lot of discussion about the 2023/24 rookie class, the generation considered the most potential in recent years. And this year’s rookies did not disappoint the audience. After the first 10 matches, a few rookies have left a clear mark.

Of course, Victor Wembanyama is the one taking most of the spotlight, but his gap with the other rookies is not as large as expected. Chet Holmgren was equally impressive, while the likes of Ausar Thompson and Dereck Lively II also made a big impact on their teams.

Here are the top five rookies. Statistics as of November 12, 2023.

Top 5 NBA rookies

1. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

Stats: 19.7 points, 8.8 Rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.4 blocks, 1.1 steals

Best game: vs Phoenix Suns: 38 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal

Wembanyama has met the expectations for himself. He is an excellent defensive player, making it difficult for all opponents to face. In the rare cases where opponents tried to score points in front of Wembanyama, he easily overwhelmed him thanks to his superior height.

OG Anunoby just shook his head and laughed when asked why he was trying to get past Wembanyama. And the Toronto Raptors star isn’t alone – Wembanyama is fourth in the entire league in blocks per game.

Not only does Wembanyama defend well, Wembanyama also attacks well. The scoring range of pick 1 in the NBA Draft is very wide, combined with his ideal height, very few people can reach Wembanyama’s throwing range. Even though it’s not really effective or outstanding, for a rookie it’s already too good.

Wembanyama has not found stability, but has created outstanding plays in each match and made all opponents wary.

2. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

Stats: 16.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.3 blocks, 0.9 steals

Best game: vs Golden State Warriors: 24 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block, 1 steal

The debate between Holmgren and Wembanyama, who is better, is a much discussed topic, and it still holds true today. Wembanyama is attracting all eyes, but Holmgren appears to be a much more effective attacking player.

While Wemby is praised for his defensive abilities, Holmgren has a more outstanding offensive skill package.

Holmgren averaged 16.4 points per game on 54.9% shooting, 50.0% from the 3-point line and 89.5% from the free throw line. If he plays another season, Holmgren will almost certainly be on the Rookie of the Year list. But this season, he has to compete fiercely with Wembanyama.

Not as prominent and praised as Wembanyama, but Holmgren also defends very well. He was overwhelmed by some physical big men like Nikola Jokic or Andre Drummond, but for the most part Holmgren was not lost to other seniors.

3. Ausar Thompson, Detroit Pistons

Stats: 11.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.8 blocks, 1.2 steals

Best game: vs Phonix Suns: 14 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 blocks, 4 steals

Thompson can’t throw the ball – that’s what has scouts worried about this rookie. But in return, he can do everything else at a very high level. Thompson is a 1m98 winger, the height of a big man in the 90s. He is leading all rookies in rebounds, offensive rebounds and blocking shots. The rookie is mentioned as a younger version of Jimmy Butler or Kevin Durant.

Thompson still made contributions on offense even though he wasn’t really good at throwing the ball. He can break through directly and hit close to the basket or create space for teammates by dribbling or passing.

4. Derek Lively II, Dallas Mavericks

Stats: 8.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.1 blocks 0.7 steals

Best game: vs San Antonio Spurs: 16 points, 10 rebounds, 1 block, 1 steal

Lively earned an official playing spot with the task of receiving points from Luka Doncic’s lobs and protecting the basket. Lively is having an unbelievable shooting efficiency of 78.0%.

Lively only made one shot (a three-pointer from a 0-degree angle). However, he appears to fit the Mavericks’ system and has the potential to become a player in the Mavericks’ long-term starting lineup.

5. Brandon Miller, Charlotte Hornets

Stats: 12.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.6 blocks, 0.4 steals

Best game: vs Brooklyn Nets: 22 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block

Miller had a good start to his rookie season, quickly taking over the starting position. He possesses impressive passing ability, helping the Hornets continuously maintain an offensive position. Miller’s average throwing ability is not too good, but his ability to break through and hit close to the basket is not bad. In addition, he did quite well in the task of accompanying Luka Doncic, the most comprehensive offensive player in the NBA.