San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) defends during the first quarter at Paycom Center.

Williams appreciates Wembanyama finally embracing the spotlight with his verbal banter.

Since entering the league in 2023, Victor Wembanyama has consistently been expected to embrace the spotlight that modern-day superstars naturally attract and be more vocal in front of the media. However, the 7’4” French phenom has largely resisted those expectations, choosing instead to remain reserved and singularly focused on developing his game. That approach appeared to shift slightly when Wemby fired not-so-subtle shots at Chet Holmgren by admitting how the game is easy for all Thunder players when they are playing alongside the reigning MVP, SGA.

It was a comment that Lou Williams found particularly appealing, as for him, it signaled Wemby’s willingness to finally acknowledge his growing rivalry with Holmgren.

Williams embraces Wembanyama’s new outlook

Historically, franchise cornerstones for the San Antonio Spurs have rarely been outspoken figures. Players like David Robinson and Tim Duncan set a long-standing precedent of remaining low-key, disciplined and focused on bringing success to the franchise rather than embracing the individual spotlight. Naturally, Wembanyama was expected to follow the same path.

However, Wemby’s recent comments made it clear that he does circle his battles on the court with Holmgren and isn’t shy from proclaiming who is the reason for the Thunder’s recent ascension to the top of the NBA.

That competitive edge was displayed by Victor in the Surs’ recent semi-final clash against OKC in the 2025 NBA Cup. He scored 22 points in 21 minutes to end the Thunder’s (franchise-best) 16-game winning streak and finish with a plus/minus rating of +21, while Holmgren finished with just 17 points in 31 minutes.

For Lou, it wasn’t just the battle on the court and Wemby’s animated reactions against various Thunder players that stood out, but the fact that the French phenom refused to name Holmgren as the alpha that has brought success to OKC speaks volumes about how he wants to finally give in to the entertainment factor of this budding rivalry.

“What moment are we talking about? Because Chet has a ring already. So, if we’re talking about the NBA Cup? Well, I don’t know if that qualifies as the moment. What I do enjoy is that Wemby is starting to be a part of the show; he has things to say. He’s feeling himself; he deserves the right to have something to say,” Williams said on an episode of the ‘Run It Back’ show. “I like him being more talkative and challenging guys and making it be known, ‘I’m here to stay… I can be a hubler killer at the same time.’”

Wemby vs. Chet could be the next big rivalry in the NBA

With certified legends such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry entering the final stages of their respective careers, the league is actively searching for its next defining rivalry. Wemby vs. Chet appears well-positioned to fill that void.

Safe to say that their team environments, skill sets and competitive approaches already make their matchups compelling, and the introduction of subtle verbal jabs only heightens the anticipation.

Whether this moment marks the beginning of a more expressive side of Wembanyama or simply a rare deviation from his typically reserved demeanor remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that this rivalry now carries not only competitive significance but also an entertainment factor that the league, something that Lou will be keenly keeping an eye on.