Cason Wallace and Chet Holmgren On the Verge of NBA History
Nobody could've guessed just how valuable Oklahoma City's rookie duo would be to this team. Usually rookies don't play heavy minutes on championship contenders, and they certainly struggle to contribute to winning basketball. The Thunder's first-year studs have done just that.
Of course, Chet Holmgren missed all of last season with a foot injury so he is considered a rookie by NBA standards. He nearly made the All-Star game in his first healthy season, and it wasn't for Victor Wembanyama, he'd be a shoe in for the Rookie of the Year Award. Everyone could see that Oklahoma City needed a post presence and an anchor down low, but few expected Holmgren to be this impactful early on in his career.
Cason Wallace was a clear target for Sam Presti last season, and now it's obvious why. On a team loaded with guard talent, a handful of fans questioned the pick and his fit on the roster. He carved out a role early on and now is an invaluable part of Oklahoma City's rotation. He hasn't spent any time with the Blue, and the Thunder rely on him to play heavy minutes most nights.
Both youngsters are known for their defensive abilities, as Holmgren is an elite shot blocker and Wallace is a talented point-of-attack defender. However, it's the offensive end that might net the duo a spot in the NBA record books.
Only two rookies in NBA history have averaged more than one 3-point make a game while shooting 40% from long range and 50% from the floor. At this current rate, Holmgren and Wallace will be the third and fourth names on the list. No rookie duo on the same team has ever accomplished that feat either.
Holmgren is averaging 17.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists on 54.2% from the floor and 40.1% from 3-point range. He's also averaging 2.7 blocks a night. Wallace has chipped in 6.8 points and 2.2 rebounds on 50.7% shooting and 41.6% from long range. He has been a defensive force, too, adding 0.6 steals and 0.3 blocks in 20 minutes.
Both players have far exceeded initial expectations and are playing a big part in the Thunder's success.
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