The Oklahoma City Thunder have selected Chet Holmgren with the 2nd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, with the Thunder finally being able to build a dynamic duo alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Holmgren is coming from the Gonzaga Bulldogs and averaged 14.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1..9 assists, on 60.7% shooting from the field.
Holmgren is a fantastic big man with one of the highest ceilings in this year’s draft. He was widely expected to go first overall to the Orlando Magic but will be moving to OKC now that the Magic chose Paolo Banchero. He is a stretch big and has a very slender frame, but will have a lot of development to do once he enters the league.
The Thunder are in a deep rebuild right now and Holmgren is a key piece that they have gotten the chance to add to their roster. His selection could expedite the Thunder rebuild and make them a threat in the West sooner than expected.
Sources: Oklahoma City selects Chet Holmgren at No. 2. https://t.co/wvUIg8tdyt
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 24, 2022
Holmgren has a guard-like skill-set at his enormous size, which makes him a very unique player in the league. If his strength can hold up in the post against NBA defenders, he will be an incredibly challenging player to guard.
The OKC staff have gotten a fantastic duo with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren alongside other pieces on the roster like Lu Dort, Josh Giddey, Aleksej Pokuševski, and others. If they can continue developing the team in the right direction, this core could become one of the best in the league long-term.
With all the future picks OKC still possess, they can soon be in a position to move them for even more pieces on their roster to become genuine contenders. Holmgren is a good pick in the longer term for what the Thunder can achieve with their rebuild after their second year of tanking.
