Rudy Gobert Offers Exuberant Praise of Thunder Big Man Chet Holmgren

Thunder big man Chet Holmgren is having an incredible rookie year. So much so that one of the best centers in the NBA sang his praises ahead of their first matchup Tuesday night. 

“The sky is the limit,” Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert said about Holmgren, per The Oklahoman’s Joel Lorenzi. “He’s gonna write his own legacy, and I’m excited to witness that.”

Holmgren was selected with the No. 2 pick in the 2022 NBA draft out of Gonzaga but missed the entire year with a foot injury, making the 2023–24 season his rookie season. But he looks nothing like a first-year player. 

He’s currently averaging 18.1 points and eight rebounds a game while shooting 56% from the field. The Thunder, behind Holmgren and All-NBA shooting guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are 11–5 to start the year. It’s definitely too early to tell, but if he continues to play like this, he’s on pace for a dominant NBA career. 

Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) dunks over Cavaliers forward Georges Niang (20) during the second half at Paycom Center. Oklahoma City won 128–120.

Alonzo Adams/USA TODAY Sports

Gobert will get his chance to see how the 21-year-old fairs against him with tip off scheduled for 8 p.m. ET in Minneapolis.