### Rising Stars Wembanyama and Holmgren Redefine NBA's Center Position

Eight months ago, the future of the NBA's center position was on full display during a late-February showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs. A pivotal moment came with 3:29 left in the fourth quarter when 7-foot-4 Victor Wembanyama rebounded a shot, initiated a fast break, and confidently sank a 28-foot three-pointer. This moment encapsulated the evolving role of big men in basketball, despite the Spurs listing Wembanyama as a forward.

The Spurs' head coach, Gregg Popovich, highlighted Wembanyama's diverse skill set, noting, "He's not really a 5." Alongside Chet Holmgren of the Thunder, these players represent a new breed of 7-footers who excel in shot-blocking and can stretch defenses with their three-point shooting. As they gear up to face each other again on Wednesday night, both players are redefining what it means to be a center in modern basketball.

Brook Lopez's transformation in the 2016-17 NBA season serves as a foundational example of this evolution. Originally an old-school offensive center, Lopez adapted to shooting three-pointers under then-Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson. His ability to make this transition paved the way for today's versatile big men like Wembanyama and Holmgren. Lopez's subsequent success with the Milwaukee Bucks emphasized the strategic advantages of a center who can shoot from deep and protect the rim.

Lopez's impact is vividly seen in today's NBA. Last season, six out of the twelve players who blocked at least 100 shots also made 100 three-pointers, including Holmgren, Wembanyama, and Lopez himself. This dual-threat capability is becoming a standard expectation for modern centers.

While Lopez serves as a prototype, Holmgren and Wembanyama are pushing the boundaries even further. Holmgren, who played exclusively as a center in his rookie season, averaged 16.5 points, shooting an impressive 37% from three-point range. Wembanyama, who focuses on expanding his offensive versatility, worked during the summer with players like Jamal Crawford to enhance his dribbling skills, further blurring the lines between traditional positions.

Despite questions about whether their slim frames could withstand the rigors of playing center, both players have proven their mettle. Holmgren's performance against three-time MVP Nikola Jokic in the Thunder's season opener was particularly noteworthy. The young Thunder team, boasting a record-breaking start, underscores the advantages of having a versatile center like Holmgren.

As teams continue to innovate and evolve, the traditional roles of centers and forwards are likely to become even more fluid. Wembanyama himself alluded to this shift, remarking, "I don't see the game really evolving into a position-based game." His vision hints at a future where players are utilized based on their strengths rather than rigid positional labels, promising a more dynamic and versatile style of play in the NBA.