With the second decide within the 2022 NBA Draft, the Thunder chosen large man, Chet Holmgren. The 21-year-old was the #1 recruit in the highschool class of 2021. Holmgren performed one season collegiately at Gonzaga earlier than declaring for the NBA Draft. Sadly, the beginning of Holmgren’s profession within the execs was delayed.
In late August of 2022, the group introduced that the #2 total decide suffered a Lisfranc damage to his proper foot. Holmgren needed to miss your entire 2022-23 season. It was not straightforward for him to do however he trusted the method and was in a position to come again stronger. After lacking a whole yr to begin his profession, Holmgren is on tempo to play 82 video games this season.
Chet Holmgren proved to be a sturdy participant for the Thunder in 2023-24
Jalen Williams praises Chet Holmgren’s spectacular rookie season as Chet is on observe to play all 82 video games regardless of battling accidents, contributing considerably to OKC’s push in the direction of the highest of the convention
“What’s his case for Rookie of the Yr?Nicely, I feel his numbers communicate… pic.twitter.com/yErMmuFHWy
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 11, 2024
Final season, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder completed 40-42 and missed the playoffs for the third straight yr. The Thunder thought they’d have Chet Holmgren at heart in 2022-23 however a Lisfranc damage delayed his profession beginning. Nevertheless, lacking a whole season to begin his profession hasn’t affected Holmgren’s play in 2023-24. The rookie heart is averaging (16.5) factors, (7.9) rebounds, (2.5) assists, and (2.3) blocks per sport. His rebounds and blocks per sport lead the Thunder this season.
Alongside along with his elite manufacturing on either side of the ball, Holmgren was an environment friendly shooter for OKC this season. The 21-year-old is averaging (.526) p.c from the sector and (.372) from past the arc. That’s a powerful manufacturing from somebody over seven ft tall. Holmgren matches the mannequin of the fashionable NBA large man who can house the ground and nonetheless get work executed down low. Moreover, Holmgren has above-average handles for a middle. He’s going to be a incredible participant for the Thunder for years to return.
Oklahoma Metropolis rookie Chet Holmgren sits down with @Stadium: “If you happen to don’t come into coaching camp on day one with the mindset of doing the whole lot towards profitable a championship, you don’t find yourself within the Thunder group.”
On “too younger” label, Wemby, SGA, extra: pic.twitter.com/QVuv2JJefV
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 9, 2024
In his first season taking part in with the Thunder, Chet Holmgren has helped the group get to 50 wins. OKC is 55-25 with two video games left to play. They’ve an opportunity to have extra wins than the Thunder did in 2015-16 once they completed 55-27. That was the final time that they had not less than 55 wins in a season. The 2013-14 Thunder had 59 wins. Oklahoma Metropolis has been spectacular all season and the group continues to be preventing for second place within the West. They’ve an similar file with the Timberwolves. No matter what seed they get within the West, the Thunder consider they’re a group that may compete for an NBA title.