OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - OCTOBER 29: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives the ball during the first quarter against Denver Nuggets at Paycom Center on October 29, 2023 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren’s rookie season has been sensational. In 15 games, the rookie is averaging 17.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.3 blocks per game on 55.7% shooting and 43.4% from 3-point range. He’s making a huge impact on Oklahoma City’s offense and defense, a large reason why it has been so successful this season. Because of this and a 36-point performance against the Golden State Warriors last week, Holmgren surpassed Victor Wembanyama on the NBA’s rookie ladder for the No. 1 spot. Wembanyama has been just as impressive as Holmgren early into their NBA careers, averaging 18.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game. However, the forward has struggled to shoot the ball efficiently, while Holmgren has been shooting an elite percentage. Of course, Wembanyama’s situation is far different than Holmgren’s as the San Antonio Spurs are in the beginning stages of a rebuild and hardly have high-level talent around the rookie. Meanwhile, the Thunder have a superstar in the form of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with a good supporting cast featuring the likes of Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort. On the flip side, Holmgren being able to have as large of an impact on a playoff competing team could be considered just as impressive as Wembanyama leading the Spurs. Without having him at the center position, Oklahoma City would not be in second place in the Western Conference. He’s one of the biggest reason why its shaping itself in being a contender in the West, which isn’t something many rookies can do so early in their careers.
