The NBA's Rookie of the Year race is heating up, with Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama taking center stage. While both rookies have impressed fans with their talent, questions remain regarding Holmgren's eligibility for the award.

Holmgren was drafted in 2022 by the OKC Thunder and was a favorite to win Rookie of the Year last season. However, a Lisfranc injury sustained during a Pro-Am game sidelined him for the entire year. This absence leads to the question: how can a player who hasn't played a single NBA game be considered a rookie?

The answer lies in NBA rules. Due to his injury, Holmgren's official rookie season is now considered to be the 2023-24 season, even though it's his second year since being drafted. This follows precedents set by players like Blake Griffin and Ben Simmons, who also missed their entire first seasons due to injuries and were eligible for Rookie of the Year honors in their second years.

And Holmgren is making the most of his delayed debut. He's showcasing his defensive prowess, averaging 2.7 blocks per game, second-best among rookies. His recent five-block performance against the Memphis Grizzlies and eight-block effort against the Denver Nuggets highlight his defensive potential.

However, Holmgren's eligibility remains a point of contention for some fans and analysts. They argue that players who haven't played in a single official NBA game shouldn't be considered rookies, as it gives them an unfair advantage against players who've already gone through the rigors of a rookie season.

The debate is likely to continue as the season progresses and the Rookie of the Year race intensifies. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: Chet Holmgren is a force to be reckoned with, and his impact on the NBA is only just beginning.