Chet Holmgren is back, and he looks really good
It is easy to forget that Chet Holmgren is still here. And he might be the best rookie in the NBA.
Sidelined with a foot injury for the past 11 months, Holmgren returned to the court on Monday with the Oklahoma City Thunder, nearly racking up a double-double in a summer league victory over the Utah Jazz. Holmgren finished with 15 points, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Gonzaga men's basketball fans saw Holmgren's impact on the defensive end throughout the 2021-22 season, and that was on full display against the Jazz. In one sequence Holmgren emphatically blocked Jazz rookie Keyonte George's dunk attempt with two hands, creating a buzz in the arena.
Holmgren, who turned 21 in May, quickly reminded everyone why he was the No. 2 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He had several huge blocks and altered many more shots. He looked fully recovered from the Lisfranc injury he suffered in August 2022.
According to FanDuel, Holmgren has the third-best odds to win 2023-24 NBA Rookie of the Year. No former Gonzaga player has ever won NBA Rookie of the Year honors.
Holmgren and the Thunder are in action next on Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies at 4 p.m. PT.
Here are Holmgren's highlights from Monday:
