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Chet Holmgren was widely regarded as one of the favorites to be picked No.1 in the draft. However, the Orlando Magic surprisingly decided to select Paolo Banchero with their first overall pick since 2004. This meant that the Oklahoma City Thunder had the chance to get Chet Holmgren.
They took the opportunity and landed the 7-feet Gonzago player. The 20-year-old is an exciting prospect with a diverse skillset. He has the ability to shoot and is also a terrific shot blocker. Pairing him with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey could strengthen the OKC Thunder.
Chet Holmgren also has loads of confidence. Speaking at the NBA 2022 Draft Presentation, the young sensation mentioned that he can improve the team and hopes the experienced players can help him improve his game in return.
He also expressed his excitement at sharing the floor with Giddey and Gilgeous-Alexander.
"I think it's a great situation, great dynamic. Playing with guys like Josh and Shai as well as everybody down the roster, there's a lot of great players there with unique skillsets and I feel like I can kind of pair up with them and help enhance theirs as well as have their skillset enhance mine."
Chet Holmgren averaged 14.1 points per game, 9.9 rebounds per game and 3.7 blocks per game in 31 games for the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the 2021-22 season. The 20-year-old shot 60% from the field, including 39% from 3-point range.
He certainly has aspects of his game that are still underdeveloped. But if everything goes to plan, Holmgren could develop into one of the stars in the league in the next few years.
Can the OKC Thunder build a playoff team around Chet Holmgren and the other players on their roster?
The OKC Thunder have been in full rebuild mode for a while now. Since Russell Westbrook left, they have only made the playoffs once and finished 14th in the last two seasons. However, they have some talented youngsters in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Aleksej Pokusevski.
The team has the right balance in the backcourt but needs a big man that could make the difference. This is where Chet Holmgren could be useful for the Thunder. His ability to shoot consistently well is what separates him from the others in the draft class. Holmgren's presence could help the Thunder solve their defensive weaknesses.
Although the Thunder are still a young team, there is no denying that they have a lot of firepower. If they can onboard some veterans who can mentor talented young players, the Thunder can make their way back to the playoffs.
Guess the Lakers players!
