In a Bleacher Report interview with Taylor Rooks, Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. gave follow top-three pick Chet Holmgren major props and said the weight concerns are overblown.
“When I really played against him, I was like, ‘Yeah he’s gonna be good.’ Just because his ability to space the floor and do so much. And he’s tall and he’s long. It’s crazy. People say he’s not strong and all of that. He’s not just weak. Playing against him, he’s not somebody you’re just gonna bully. He’s not soft. He’s not none of that. He’s gonna get stronger as his age comes and I feel like he’ll be fine in the NBA.”
“He’s gonna be good. … He’s not just somebody you’re just gonna bully.”@jabarismithjr has high praise for @ChetHolmgren 💯 @brhoops pic.twitter.com/R3oOKJMREU
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 12, 2022
The biggest talking point surrounding Holmgren is his skinny frame of 7’1 and 195 pounds. Holmgren getting bully-balled on the occasional post up usually make their rounds on social media.
Smith Jr. saying he thinks Holmgren will ultimately be alright is nice to hear as both players are familiar with each other due to being in the same draft class.