If you’re experiencing basketball withdrawal, the good news is that the NBA Summer League is underway. Chet Holmgren — the #2 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft — made his debut with the Oklahoma City Thunder and looked awesome with 23 points, seven rebounds, six blocked shots, and four assists during his first stint in the Summer League.
The Utah Jazz hosted the Thunder, but all eyes were on Holmgren. After all, you couldn’t miss the 7-foot rookie from Gonzaga. In 24 minutes, Holmgren stuffed the stat sheet while setting an NBA Summer League record as the first player to notch at least five blocks and four treys.
Overall, Holmgren missed just two shots from 3-point range on an impressive four-of-six from beyond the arc. The rookie shot a perfect 7-for-7 inside the arc and knocked down all five of his free-throw attempts.
Jalen Williams — the Thunder’s other first-round pick from Santa Clara who went #12 in the 2022 NBA Draft — also played well in his Summer League debut with 17 points and five rebounds in 26 minutes of floor time.
Will Hardy — the Utah Jazz’s new head coach — had his debut spoiled in a 98-77 loss.
Chet Holmgren showed out in his Summer League debut, dropping 23 PTS on 78% from the field.
He is the first player with 5 blocks and 4 3-pointers in any Summer League game all-time. pic.twitter.com/g1ROYhr5pM
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 6, 2022
The Giddey and Holmgren show
Josh Giddey from Australia — who turned heads during his rookie season with the Thunder — posted a double-double with 14 points and 11 assists. Giddey helped set up Holmgren on numerous shots.
“Shout out to my teammates for setting me up, talking to me, just putting me in position to be successful,” said Holmgren.
“The hype that Chet came in with, the way he played tonight was big for us,” said Giddey. “Being a high pick like that, there’s a lot of pressure coming in, and he handled it as good as he could’ve.”
Just in case you had doubts about him adjusting to the NBA 3-point line, Holmgren took advantage of defenders slumping off him on the perimeter. He didn’t think twice about launching 3-point shots.
“It makes my job easy playing with someone like Chet,” added Giddey. “He can stretch the floor, finish at the rim. He protects me, he’s got my back on the defensive end. Love playing with him. It’s been one game, and the chemistry’s only getting stronger.”
Holmgren also wowed the audience when he blocked a shot from 7-foot-5 Tacko Fall from the Utah Jazz. He also forced a jump ball with Fall.
