Chet Holmgren was the 2022 No. 1 show, but he missed the entire 2022-23 season with an ankle injury. This has made many people doubt his ability and potential, and some even think that he is a parallel import.
However, his performances this season have shattered all doubts, and with his excellent stats and impact, he has become the frontrunner of the Rookie of the Year, and some even consider him a future star for the Thunder.
Rookie of the Month
Chet Holmgren was named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for two consecutive months in October and November, an accomplishment that came as no surprise. He averaged 17.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game during that time, showing his all-round strength. At the same time, he shot 53.7% from the field, 41% from three-point range, and 87.1% from the free-throw line.
Chet's stats are not only among the best among rookies, but also eye-catching across the league. He is the first player in NBA history to average more than 300 points, more than 50 blocks and more than 30 three-pointers per game in the first 25 games of his career. To date, he has 423 points, 71 blocks and 38 three-pointers.
Chet has shown the potential to become a top defensive player in the NBA in the future, and if he can stay healthy, he could even be selected to the All-Star team multiple times in the future.
In the recent two-game back-to-back games against the Nuggets and Grizzlies, Chet made 15 blocks, tying Ibaka's record for two-game blocks in Thunder history. It's worth mentioning that Chet is the first rookie player since Tim Duncan in 1998 to contribute more than seven blocks in two consecutive games.
Best Rookie Frontrunner
Chet's rookie scoring record with 36 points in the Thunder's Nov. 19 game against the Golden State Warriors was a career highlight. He showed amazing efficiency on 12-of-16 shooting, 4-of-6 three-pointers, and 4-of-4 free throws in this game.
In addition, he hit a crucial three-pointer at the end of the game to drag the game into overtime, showing his big heart and key ball ability. In the end, with Holmgren's excellent performance, the Thunder won 130-123 against the Warriors.
With his impressive performances, Chet has officially led the race for Rookie of the Year. He is gradually overtaking Spurs' super-rookie Wembanyama as the most promising player to win the accolade.
Wembanyama, the 2023 No. 1 pick, has also had a good season this season, averaging 18.2 points, 10.2 rebounds and three blocks per game, and is the Spurs' main center. His stats are on par with Chet, but he shoots 43 percent from the field, 28 percent from three-point range, and averages 2.4 turnovers per game, which is far from Chet's efficiency and team record.
Mr. Key
NBA key moment definition: the period of time and the last 5 minutes of overtime, with a margin of no more than 5 points.
This season, Chet's performances in crunch time have been impressive. Chet has a plus/minus of +24 in crunch time, and he has scored a total of 39 points, which ranks 10th in the NBA. Chet shot 13-of-21 from the field in crunch time and shot a whopping 61.9 percent from the field. He shot 4-of-7 from three-point range and shot 57.1 percent from three-point range. He made 9 of 10 free throws and shot 90 percent from the free-throw line.
In addition, he leads the league with six blocks in crunch time.
Stars of the future
Chet Holmgren is not only the best rookie of the season, but also a star player in the NBA in the future. His height, reach, athleticism, and skill level are impressive, and he has great potential on both the offensive and defensive ends.
His shooting ability is one of his strengths, and he is able to score from all positions, whether it's a breakaway, a jumper, a three-pointer, or a free throw, he's able to perform at a high level. His shooting posture and feel are excellent, his shot selection is reasonable, and he rarely forces a shot or wastes a chance.
His defensive ability is another of his strengths, as he is able to perform well on both the inside and outside, whether it's blocks, steals, or defensive intensity, he can perform at a high level. His physical condition and athleticism allow him to adapt to a variety of defensive systems, and his defensive awareness and judgment are excellent, and he rarely fouls or misses position.
Chet Holmgren's shortcomings are that his passing and ball control needs to be improved, he needs more variety and creativity in attack, he needs more experience and composure in the game, and his body needs more intensity and stamina. But these can be improved through practice and games, and as long as he can stay healthy and improve, he is expected to become a top player in the NBA.
The future of the Thunder
Chet Holmgren is not only the future star of the Thunder, but also the heart of the Thunder's future. He has formed a dynamic and promising squad with young players such as Shay Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Lugunz Dort, who have shown great competitiveness this season to challenge the strong teams in the Western Conference.
The Thunder have had an impressive start to the season, and they currently sit second in the West with a 19-9 record, behind the Timberwolves. Their success is due to their balance of offense and defense, their teamwork and execution, and their youth and hunger.
With an average age of 22.8, the Thunder are the second-youngest team in the league. Their youth gives them unlimited potential and room to grow, as well as fearless courage and fighting spirit. Their hunger makes them eager to prove themselves and also keeps them in constant pursuit of higher goals.
Chet, on the other hand, is the future core of the Thunder, his performance and impact are amazing, and his ability and potential are exciting. He's leading the young Thunder team to miracles this season and is laying a solid foundation for the Thunder's future.
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