How High is OKC Thunder Rookie Chet Holmgren's Ceiling?

Despite there being plenty of young players to keep an eye on this season for the Oklahoma City Thunder, one rookie in particular stands apart from the rest of his teammates — and in more ways than one.

Chet Holmgren, who’s set to enter his red-shirt equivalent season with the Thunder, not only sticks out in team huddles due to his 7-foot-1 frame, but he also draws attention on the court because of his unique scoring ability and strong rim defense.

Oklahoma City aside, Holmgren represents a unique demographic of players in the NBA, which recently grew after No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama joined the Spurs in the offseason.

But while some already put Wembanyama’s talent in a tier of its own, Holmgren shouldn’t be overlooked.

In fact, he could be one of the league’s highest-ceiling prospects period.

“In his best-case scenario, [Holmgren is] one of the NBA's top defenders and a go-to scorer at the other end,” Bleacher Report wrote in a recent ranking of young “big men”. “That's an MVP candidate if his team is successful enough.”

MVP? Without having played a regular season game? It’s a strong statement, but one that likely won’t be cracked down too hard simply due to Holmgren’s unique talent.

During his Summer League appearances, the rookie proved his ability to protect the rim and score on offense even with a horde of defenders attempting to slow him down.

Chet puts it back 😤

Chet Holmgren grabs the offensive rebound and slams in the putback!

Salt Lake City Summer League on NBA TV and the NBA App: https://t.co/LDfT93bQhD pic.twitter.com/CPLCG2tQ34
— NBA (@NBA) July 6, 2023

“Between his 7'6" wingspan, advanced feel and competitiveness, he'll consistently impact opponents' shots at the basket,” Bleacher Report continued. “Then on offense, he can either spread the floor as a stretch three or find his own shots on the ball, taking slower defenders off the driller and shooting over the top of smaller ones.”

Suddenly, Holmgren’s case for an MVP candidate doesn’t seem too far-fetched. Especially if he can continue to play the way he has been during the regular season. Continue is another key word, however. In order to be what the Thunder hope he can be and achieve his true ceiling, he’ll need to stay on the court. Literally.

“When the biggest concern about a player isn't connected to skills, that usually means you're talking about a top-tier talent,” Bleacher Report concluded. “And that's absolutely the case with 2022's No. 2 pick.”

So, Chet already has the NBA’s attention. It’d be hard not to — when was the last time a 7-footer didn’t draw praise and excitement?

Whether he finds success or not this season, there is a lot on the line for Holmgren. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing because if it works out, the Thunder certainly could have one of the best prospects the league has ever seen.

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