Clippers' Paul George Picks Thunder's Chet Holmgren For Rookie of the Year

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren has generated plenty of media attention for both himself and the team. Whether it be his potential, work ethic or ability to raise the team's ceiling, he's got chatter surrounding him.

Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George is the most recent example of players and media giving Holmgren credit before he's even played a single minute of basketball in the NBA.

On George's podcast, Podcast P, he was asked to take an early pick at the Rookie of the Year for the upcoming season.

"It's a lot of good talent," George said. "I mean it's going to come down to who's gonna play more. I'm going to go with Chet."

Given Victor Wembanyama is in this rookie class, picking Holmgren to win the award isn't an easy choice. One player will be having the offense revolve around him, and the other will be the fourth option offensively on occasion.

"I think [Chet] is gonna play a ton. They're gonna be a winning team. The way they play, it's gonna be fun to watch." George continued. "So I think he's gonna get a lot of coverage. He plays both ends, he blocks shots, he's a little bit more polished, you know, further along, I think, than Wemby is."

There's a route where Holmgren is able to edge Wembanyama out for Rookie of the Year. It's certainly no easy task, but the Thunder's system perfectly fits Holmgren's talents, and he'll be key to things running smoothly on both ends of the court.

"Wemby's gonna have a little learning curve. I know Chet didn't play much due to the injury his rookie year, but being in the league, seeing the game up close for a year is gonna give him that much more of a head start," George said. "I think Chet's going to be the Rookie of the Year."

Playing alongside three elite perimeter players in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams will allow Holmgren to generate easy looks both from the 3-point line and down in the paint. Defensively, he's going to be the backbone that allows the team to play their way.

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