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- The Oklahoma City Thunder took Gonzaga star Chet Holmgren with the second pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
- Holmgren dominated in his NBA Summer League debut, scoring 23 points to go along with seven rebounds and a record six blocks.
- Now NBA fans are all-in on the rookie, with some wondering why he didn’t go number one.
Chet Holmgren has been a household name since well before he joined the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The basketball star dominated at Gonzaga and his unique size and skill set make him a potentially generational player. Now he’s showing that talent at the professional level.
Holmgren played in his first NBA Summer League game on Tuesday night and absolutely stole show.
It's only Summer League but this was an unbelievable Summer League performance by Chet Holmgren.
23 points
9 shots
7 rebounds
6 blocks
4 assists
23 minutesChet looked more like the HS version of himself with the freedom to create so much off the dribble. Just better. pic.twitter.com/g2ivpAxvhi
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) July 6, 2022
The big man dominated, scoring 23 points on just nine shots to go along with seven rebounds, four assists and a Utah Summer League record six blocks.
He’s not settling for just first-game success, either.
"That's a record?… Well I'm coming to break it again"@ChetHolmgren after setting the Utah Summer League Record for blocks with 6. pic.twitter.com/ygENsHwQ0l
— NBA (@NBA) July 6, 2022
Holmgren’s absurd length combined with his guard-like skills make him a truly unique prospect, with offensive skills similar to that of Kevin Durant and shot-blocking prowess that rivals Rudy Gobert.
Basketball fans are already marveling over what he could become after Wednesday’s incredible showing.
this is uncanny 👀 🤯
Chet Holmgren 2022 Dirk Nowitzki 2011pic.twitter.com/yV1KWTBZB2
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) July 6, 2022
https://twitter.com/Patrickkfenton/status/1544653729051336705?s=20&t=gqfHlVp_3T8Yx4sYCUxpgQ
🗣BEST. PLAYER. IN. THE. DRAFT.
Just summer league but you only make one first impression. https://t.co/6XfukhyS0f
— Russ Heltman (@russheltman11) July 6, 2022
https://twitter.com/TheAUXClub/status/1544549904948891648?s=20&t=gqfHlVp_3T8Yx4sYCUxpgQ
One common theme in the discussion was whether Holmgren should’ve gone No. 1 to the Orlando Magic. Instead, the Magic selected Duke’s Paolo Banchero. Banchero will begin his pro career on Thursday night against the Houston Rockets and No. 3 overall pick, Jabari Smith.
A lot of you saying "dont overreact to Chet, it’s just Summer League" will overreact to whatever Paolo does anyways so what’s the point lol
It’s fine to admit Chet is very good
— Vågberg (@jespvagberg) July 6, 2022
Paolo has a higher floor but his ceiling not close to Chet.
— Ricky G (@jrichardgoodman) July 6, 2022
Imagine how Paolo must be feeling watching Chet put up huge numbers knowing you have an angry Jabari waiting for you on your debut 😂
— winston #the6foot5 (@the6foot5) July 6, 2022
I never understood folks preferring Jabari Smith & Paolo Banchero over Chet. Chet was always my clear cut #1 pick. Jabari & Paolo will never bring the defensive impact Chet has from day one. https://t.co/mJpgw9yOQN
— 7/11🐯🐱 (@Dat2U) July 6, 2022
Banchero and Smith are both incredibly intriguing prospects in their own right, but for now it’s Holmgren who has captivated the basketball world.