
Getty Image / Candice Ward
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren has almost been forgotten by many when talking about the elite young players in today’s NBA. After all, the 21-year-old missed the entirety of what would have been his rookie season with a foot injury. But, there’s a reason he was the 2nd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, and he’s showing why in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas so far.
As a matter of fact, he was pretty good in the Summer League last year, when many thought he was the best player in Vegas. And, he’s carried that over into this year on a loaded Thunder Summer League team. That was on display in a big way in Wednesday night’s 98-87 win against the Indiana Pacers.
The 7-foot center showed off the tantalizing all-around game that had many thinking he would go first overall in last year’s draft, up until a few hours before the first pick. He had 25 points, 9 rebounds, 5 blocks and 2 assists on 9-15 shooting from the field and 7-8 shooting from the foul line. Take a look.
Chet Holmgren's presence was felt on both ends of the court tonight 🔥
25 PTS | 9 REB | 5 BLK#NBA2KSummerLeague pic.twitter.com/RTkSgkDVGn
— NBA (@NBA) July 13, 2023
Here’s a different angle at some of those highlights.
Chet Holmgren Highlights: 25 points, 9 rebounds, 5 blocks in Thunder vs. Pacers @ChetHolmgren @okcthunder pic.twitter.com/q6d0RGReup
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) July 13, 2023
And, he continues to put up big numbers this summer.
Chet Holmgren through 3 summer league games (Salt Lake and Vegas):
– 16.7 PPG
– 9.7 RPG
– 4.0 BPG
– 49% FG
– +36 plus-minusNo player has more blocks or a higher plus-minus than Chet through 3 games 🔥 pic.twitter.com/EgtbzPHAPy
— The Lead (@TheLeadSM) July 13, 2023
The Gonzaga product is making quite an impression on NBA Twitter.
@ChetHolmgren is going to be an absolute problem in the league and I’m here for it!!
— Frankie Smalls (@LazelAgnello) July 13, 2023
Wemby's a stud and all, but you might have to put Chet Holmgren in the Rookie of the Year conversation.
— Alan Goldsher (@AlanGoldsher) July 13, 2023
Everybody on Wemby, that boy Chet Holmgren nice…
— Legendâ„¢ (@PG_Savy) July 13, 2023
Chet Holmgren has arrived
— Not For Casuals (@not_4_casuals) July 13, 2023
The Thunder have such a bright future ahead, too. That young core of Shea Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Holmgren, with great young role guys like Jaylin Williams and Osumane Dieng, coupled with over a dozen first round picks they own the next few years have them set up for a potential dynasty.