Since coming into the league, Victor Wembanyama has been viewed as a rival to Chet Holmgren. Given the numerous similarities they share, it’s hard not to view them as such. However, one former NBA player believes that a specific MVP-caliber player is better suited as Wembanyama’s rival.
Ex-NBA Player Says Victor Wembanyama’s True Rival Is an MVP
A heated rivalry is emerging in the Western Conference, fueled by the rise of Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. As a young team that already seems to have the pieces to become championship material, they are viewed as a legitimate threat to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s newfound dominance.
This team rivalry is further stirred by the personal one between Wembanyama and Holmgren. While many perceive this to be a highlight in the Spurs vs. Thunder narrative, an ex-NBA player thinks there’s a more compelling rival for the French superstar.
Three-time Sixth Man of the Year winner Lou Williams says that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a more fitting rival for Wembanyama.
“They’re both seven-footers and they came out back-to-back years. Other than that, that’s where it ends for me,” Williams said about the Wembanyama-Holmgren rivalry. “There’s levels to this conversation. The real rivalry to me is gonna be [Gilgeous-Alexander] and [Wembanyama]. Those are the MVP candidates.”
Williams added that Wembanyama had already moved past his rivalry with Holmgren. He framed the battle between them over who could win Rookie of the Year in 2024, or who is the better seven-footer. Beyond that, Williams doesn’t think there’s anything left to discuss.
Lou Will says Wemby’s rival should be SGA, not Chet 👀
“There’s levels to this conversation. The real rivalry is gonna be SGA and Wemby. Those are the MVP candidates. Why would a MVP candidate have a rivalry with a guy who’s not in that conversation.”
(via @RunItBackFDTV, h/t… pic.twitter.com/Fd96xKeeRt
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 29, 2025
Williams’ arguments make perfect sense when one thinks about how both Gilgeous-Alexander and Wembanyama are the top players on their respective teams.
Gilgeous-Alexander is the clear leader on the court for the Thunder and the franchise star for them. Not only was he the league’s MVP last season, but he was also named the Finals MVP after leading his squad to a championship. This season, he is once again among the top candidates for the MVP award. As per the latest MVP ladder, he is second only to Nikola Jokić.
Wembanyama is not too far behind. The Spurs’ big man fell just outside the top five, but he could soon close the gap between him and Gilgeous-Alexander on this list.
Head coach Mitch Johnson and the Spurs medical staff have kept Wembanyama under a strict minutes restriction. Since coming back from injury, he hasn’t played 30 minutes in a game. However, his playing time has gradually increased over the past few games.
If his minutes steadily increase, Wembanyama’s already solid production could skyrocket. If this happens, he could easily close the gap between him and Gilgeous-Alexander on the MVP ladder.
