Chet Holmgren Leads NBA in Blocks in Short October Slate
After a year-long wait, Chet Holmgren is finally frequenting the NBA court. And despite it only being a handful of games, he’s been one of the more impactful players in the league.
Drafted second overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Holmgren missed his initial season due to a Lisfranc injury suffered in a Pro-Am. Last year, Oklahoma City missed out on his talents, premier finishing and mobility, floor-stretching and especially shot-blocking and rim protection
Holmgren’s been phenomenal at all of the above so far. But he’s made his name as an interior defensive presence. And the NBA is beginning to learn that.
Through four games, Holmgren has totaled 11 blocks, the most in the NBA currently. He’s tied with Lakers forward Anthony Davis and Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., both of whom are known as feared shot-blockers throughout the NBA ranks.
Even more, he’s only fouled 3.3 times per game, the same amount as Davis and one foul less per contest than Jackson.
It’s, of course, a small sample size. But there’s no question Holmgren’s shot-blocking and rim protection are likely to carry over in the NBA. Consistency will be key now, as he’s sent all 11 blocks in just two games, with zero in the other two.
On the season, Holmgren is now averaging 15.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting 61 overall and 63 from beyond the arc. Simply put, he’s been a catalyst for the Thunder’s success so far, and should only improve as he further learns the ins-and-outs of the league.
Oklahoma City takes on New Orleans at 6:30 p.m. today, where Holmgren could have a tough matchup at times in star Zion Williamson.
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