After not playing a single game last season as a rookie due to foot surgery, Thunder center Chet Holmgren has emerged as one of the league’s best young big men.
Just 17 games into his NBA career, Holmgren is averaging 17.9 points and 8.0 rebounds per game on 53.8% shooting from the floor. He’s also averaging 43.1% shooting from three on 4.2 attempts per game, which is an impressive mark for the 7’1” center.
76ers veteran guard Patrick Beverley has been incredibly impressed with the game of Holmgren, who carved up Beverley’s squad to the tune of 33 points and six rebounds last weekend.
“He played well,” Beverley said on this week’s episode of The Pat Bev Podcast with Rone. “It didn’t feel as dominant, but it was dominant. Because you’re so worried about Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander], that you forget and look up like, ‘Damn, Chet got 25? What the f---?’”
What impressed Beverley even more was Holmgren’s confidence. Beverley said he doesn’t talk to a lot of young guys after the game, but Holmgren came right up to him to chat.
“I don’t talk to a lot of—especially young guys,” Beverley added. “I don’t even shake their hands. Probably Shai and my one young guy. He made his way to be like, ‘Yo Pat, what’s up?’ I’m like, ‘Damn, that’s what’s up.’ …I like him. I like his game too.”
The Thunder have enjoyed an 11-6 start to the season, and sit in fourth-place in the West as the season nears the quarter pole.
Holmgren has a lot to do with Oklahoma City’s success so far, and his play is earning him respect around the league as he navigates his first season on the floor in the NBA.
