Chet Holmgren, the number one overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, made his highly anticipated return to the court on Sunday night as the Oklahoma City Thunder faced off against the Utah Jazz in the NBA Summer League. The 7'1" center did not disappoint, leading the Thunder to a dominant victory over the Jazz and giving fans a glimpse of his potential as a future star in the league.
Holmgren had missed the Thunder's first two Summer League games with a minor injury, but he showed no rust in his return, scoring 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting and adding 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 assists in just 21 minutes of action. The 19-year-old from Minnesota showcased his unique skill set, displaying his ability to score from all over the court, protect the rim on defense, and make plays for his teammates.
Holmgren's performance was particularly impressive given that he was facing off against a Jazz team that featured a number of talented young players, including 2021 lottery pick Jared Butler and second-year guard Trent Forrest. But Holmgren's size, length, and versatility proved to be too much for the Jazz to handle, as he dominated on both ends of the floor and helped the Thunder cruise to a 90-66 victory.
For Thunder fans, Holmgren's performance was a welcome sight, as the team has high hopes for the young big man. Oklahoma City selected Holmgren with the top overall pick in the 2022 draft, and he is seen as a cornerstone of the team's rebuilding efforts. With his unique combination of size, skill, and athleticism, Holmgren has the potential to be a dominant force in the NBA for years to come.
But while Holmgren's individual performance was certainly impressive, it was also a testament to the Thunder's overall depth and talent. The team's roster is stacked with young, promising players, including fellow 2022 draft picks Jaden Ivey and Tre Mitchell, as well as second-year guard Theo Maledon and third-year forward Darius Bazley. With a talented core of young players in place, the Thunder are well-positioned to build a bright future for themselves in the coming years.
Of course, it's worth noting that the Summer League is just that - a summer league. The games don't count towards the regular season standings, and the level of competition is generally lower than what players will face once the regular season begins. But for Holmgren and the Thunder, the Summer League is a valuable opportunity to gain experience and build chemistry as they prepare for the upcoming season.
As Holmgren continues to develop and adjust to the NBA game, it will be fascinating to see how he fits into the Thunder's plans. He has the potential to be a dominant two-way player, capable of impacting the game on both ends of the floor. And with a young, talented core around him, Holmgren could help the Thunder become one of the most exciting young teams in the league.
Overall, Sunday night's performance was a promising sign for both Holmgren and the Thunder. While it's still early in his career, Holmgren's potential is clear, and his performance in the Summer League suggests that he could be a force to be reckoned with in the NBA for years to come. And for Thunder fans, that's a very exciting prospect indeed.