Chet Holmgren’s much-awaited NBA common season debut is lastly underway. The No. 2 choose of the 2022 NBA Draft sat out his first yr after struggling a foot harm throughout a pro-am sport. Holmgren had a powerful preseason, however basketball followers have been ready to see how he’d carry out as soon as the season begins. OKC Thunder followers might be delighted that he appears greater than able to be a giant a part of the group.
Towards the Chicago Bulls, Holmgren is pitted in opposition to two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic. OKC’s lanky middle did this to attain his first two factors within the NBA:
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Holmgren’s means to hit the three-pointer pressured Vucevic to exit on the perimeter. The specter of the rookie driving previous him put “Vooch” in an undesirable spot. A faux, one dribble and the “dream shake” was what it took for Holmgren to get separation for a easy, uncontested jumper.
Chet Holmgren’s bucket gave the OKC Thunder a 15-14 lead with nonetheless 7:00 minutes left to play within the first quarter. He performed a complete of seven minutes in that interval and completed with 4 factors, two assists, one rebound and one steal.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault instructed reporters heading into the season that Holmgren can be a game-changer for the group. He was enthusiastic about how he might create lineups primarily based on Holmgren’s measurement, mobility and flexibility.
Some analysts think about OKC’s middle as a official Rookie of the 12 months winner. They see him as somebody who can problem San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama for the award. Holmgren’s “dream shake” in opposition to Nikola Vucevic will solely add to the hype.
Chet Holmgren’s protection is already elite
Whereas Chet Holmgren has a blossoming sport on offense, his influence on protection has already been felt. He was a menace on that finish within the preseason. Holmgren doesn’t all the time get the block, however his presence alone has prompted opponents to suppose twice about driving inside for a layup.
In Holmgren’s one collegiate season, he was among the best defensive gamers and rim protectors. He was the WCC Defensive Participant of the 12 months in 2022, moreover being named to the First-Staff All-WCC. That much-ballyhooed protection has confirmed to be nearly as good as marketed.
Chet Holmgren simply doesn’t depend on his measurement and size to stifle opponents. The rookie additionally has excellent timing to make him a nightmare to attain in opposition to. The “dream shake” was a easy transfer that followers will rave about. Holmgren’s protection, although, could also be what the OKC Thunder wants most to make the playoffs.
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