Chet Holmgren, the highly anticipated No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, suffered an unfortunate injury that forced him to miss his rookie season. The Oklahoma City Thunder showed remarkable progress without him, but now, with Holmgren finally healthy, he is ready to make a significant impact and take the team to the next level.
During a pro-am run in Seattle, Holmgren’s competitive nature led him to push himself even in a casual setting. Unfortunately, he sustained a Lisfranc injury while defending against LeBron James, leaving him sidelined for the entire season. As the Thunder experienced a surge in performance, it became clear that Holmgren’s presence could have elevated the team’s success even further.
Now, Holmgren is seizing the opportunity presented by the NBA Summer League to shake off any rust accumulated during his time away from the game. In a recent matchup, he showcased his exceptional talent, demonstrating his versatility with 25 points, nine rebounds, five blocks, and two assists. With his agile ball-handling skills, shooting range, and defensive prowess as a rim protector, the Thunder have found the player they have been eagerly waiting for.
What sets Holmgren apart is his unique combination of skills. Standing at 7’1″ with a wingspan of 7’6″, he effortlessly handles the ball on the perimeter, shoots from beyond the arc, and makes accurate passing reads. Additionally, Holmgren excels in traditional big man traits, dominating as a rim protector on defense while displaying finesse when finishing around the basket. His presence as a roll man will put tremendous pressure on opposing defenses, as his reported 9’6″ standing reach allows him to dunk without jumping.
It is true that Holmgren’s slender frame may result in occasional instances where he is dunked on, but this never deters his competitive spirit. In fact, he projects to become one of the premier shot-blockers in the NBA, showcasing his quickness, precise rotations, and fearless attitude in protecting the rim.
Last season, the Thunder’s rise occurred despite lacking a true center. This has changed with the addition of Holmgren, who brings unprecedented size and athleticism to the team’s frontcourt. With an abundance of big guards and wings combined with Holmgren’s dominance inside, the Thunder possess a formidable lineup that can both defend the rim and provide offensive firepower.
While Holmgren may not be a consistent 30-point scorer, his impact on the game extends beyond scoring. He epitomizes the role of a supersized connector, excelling in the finer details that contribute to winning. From providing floor spacing as a shooter to facilitating ball movement as a passer, crashing the boards, and offering elite paint protection, Holmgren’s versatility makes him an invaluable asset to any team.
The Thunder, led by superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, already possess a promising young core. With the addition of Holmgren, it is not far-fetched to envision the team competing for championships in the coming years. However, for this potential to materialize, Holmgren must maintain his health and learn to channel his competitive spirit effectively.
As we eagerly anticipate the Thunder’s upcoming season, it is clear that Chet Holmgren’s return signifies a new era of greatness for the team. With his skill set and incredible potential, the sky’s the limit for what the future holds.
The Business Press 