It’s only one game – and more exposure – but the first returns have arrived and Chet Holmgren’s NBA stock is growing.
On Tuesday night, the former Minnehaha Academy standout and No. 2 overall in Gonzaga made his Summer League debut with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 7-1 big man threw a monstrous two-handed dunk for his first points and came back from there.
The final tally: 23 points and seven rebounds to go along with an NBA Summer League record six blocks.
Not that the No. 2 pick has to prove many doubters, but many NBA Twitter types took notice of Holmgren’s night.
Holmgren also appeared to pinch his ankle during the game, a 98-77 win for the Thunder over the Jazz in Salt Lake City. But he said in a post-match interview (which he only agreed to do if he could get a teammate recognized with him on the pitch) he was fine.
“I’m just going to squeeze my shoes tighter,” he said.
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