The NBA landscape is on the precipice of a seismic shift, as a new breed of big men is poised to forever change our perception of what a center can be. Leading this charge are two young phenoms: Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. These towering talents possess an unprecedented combination of elite shot-blocking ability and deadly accuracy from beyond the arc, making them the embodiment of the modern NBA center.
The Rise of the Unicorn Center
Wembanyama and Holmgren represent the next stage in the evolution of the NBA big man. Gone are the days when centers were confined to the paint, tasked solely with protecting the rim and gobbling up rebounds. Today’s game demands versatility, and these two young stars deliver in spades.
At 7-foot-4, Wembanyama is a shot-blocking savant, using his incredible length and timing to swat away attempts with ease. But it’s his ability to knock down threes that truly sets him apart. Holmgren, standing at a “mere” 7-feet tall, is equally adept at both ends of the floor, seamlessly switching onto perimeter players on defense while spacing the floor with his silky-smooth jumper on offense.
The Brook Lopez Blueprint
While Wembanyama and Holmgren may seem like anomalies, they are in fact the product of a gradual shift in the NBA’s big man paradigm. The trail was blazed by players like Brook Lopez, who transformed his game in Milwaukee to become a stretch-five extraordinaire. Lopez’s ability to pull opposing centers away from the basket with his outside shooting helped unlock Giannis Antetokounmpo’s full potential, paving the way for the Bucks’ 2021 championship run.
When you’re clogging the paint, you’re almost in every single play. You’re always right there. But on the opposite end, it’s interesting to just stand there and watch.
– Brook Lopez on the contrasting roles of modern centers
The Myles Turner Mold
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner has also been at the forefront of this evolution. A shot-blocking maven with a reliable three-point stroke, Turner has proven that bigs who can protect the rim and space the floor will always have a place in the modern NBA.
You’ll always have a job. That’s a big thing.
– Myles Turner on the value of being a floor-spacing, shot-blocking center
Redefining Positionality
As Wembanyama and Holmgren continue to push the boundaries of what we thought possible for a center, the very concept of positionality in the NBA is being redefined. These young stars are blurring the lines between guard and big, with skill sets that defy traditional categorization.
Wembanyama’s ballhandling and shot creation abilities are reminiscent of a guard, while Holmgren’s agility and perimeter defense are traits more commonly associated with a forward. The idea of pigeonholing these unique talents into a single position seems almost absurd.
I don’t see the game really evolving into a position-based game. Just as we see now, you have Jokic playing point guard sometimes.
– Victor Wembanyama on the blurring of positional lines
The Future is Now
As the NBA continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, it’s clear that Wembanyama and Holmgren are at the forefront of a new era of basketball. Their unique skill sets and incredible potential have fans and analysts alike salivating at the prospect of what they might achieve in the years to come.
But for all the hype and excitement surrounding these young stars, it’s important to remember that they are still just beginning their NBA journeys. The road ahead will undoubtedly be filled with challenges and obstacles, as opponents look to exploit any weaknesses in their still-developing games.
Yet one thing is certain: The future of the NBA is in good hands with Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren leading the charge. These unicorn centers are poised to redefine what we thought possible for a big man, and in doing so, they may just change the game of basketball forever.
So sit back, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the show. The Wembanyama and Holmgren era is upon us, and it promises to be a thrilling ride.
