Chet Holmgren did not fail to impress in his 2022 NBA Summer league Debut. The young 7’1″ dynamic talent filled the stat sheet and showed an impressive overall diversity. Chet finished the game with 23 points, 7 rebounds, 6 blocks, and 4 assists. Within the first 6 minutes of the game Holmgren already had 13 points, a few blocks, and had showed enough that I was saying to myself it’s time to wrap summer league up for Chet and get ready for the 2022 NBA Pre Season. Yes he was just that good.
Chet started out itching for the ball. Though he didn’t get a touch on the first few possessions you could see Holmgren spotted up on the floor ready to strike. And when he did get his chance to touch the ball he did not disappoint. His first bucket was on a dunk, Homgrens length makes dunking look effortless. I think Holmgreen could probably dunk from the free throw line with both hands jumping off both feet. That is how long this kid is. Then Holmgren began to demonstrate his touch from the outside. Getting space on the floor being guarded by Tacko Fall Holmgren began reigning 3’s. He even demonstrated his versatility on 1 play by hitting a pull up 3, right in Tacko’s FACE!!!
Defensively, Chet was just as impressive. Blocking every shot in site. We all knew from his numbers in college that Chet was at least an elite rim protector. But what we didn’t know was, that Chet’s length and good agility for someone his size makes him capable of defending guards on the perimeter. Yes, not all of his blocks were underneath the goal. He was able to get blocks on outside jumpshots as well.
Additionally Holmgren was able to show good signs of ball handling. One particular play caught my attention where Chet demonstrated excellent fundamentals. Chet got the defensive rebound and began to push the ball down the floor. This is typically where the guard will run from behind and try to strip the ball from the bigger player. As Chet was dribbling down the court he was keeping the ball in front of him, and switching the ball from side to side, while also weaving his body. So yes though there was a guard trying to strip Holmgren from behind he was unsuccessful because of Holmgrens solid fundamentals.
Finally, Holmgren will have to be more cautious dribbling through traffic, as his height will make it easier for opposing teams to strip the ball. Therefore in half court sets he will need to learn to use fewer dribbles while attacking and be stronger with the ball.
Overall, Chet Holmgren debut A+. Oklahoma City Thunder fans can finally feel good again about the future of their team.
