OKC Thunder Big Man On Pace For Historic Rookie Season
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Coming into the NBA, versatile big man Chet Holmgren was lauded for his defensive upside.
While the former 5-star recruit and No. 2 overall draft pick has played a pivotal role in OKC's offense from the start of his career, Holmgren has been even more impactful on defense.
With his long arms, good mobility and great timing, the 7-footer has proven to be one of the most impactful defenders in the league early in his career. 27 games into his rookie season, Holmgren is averaging 2.7 blocks per game, good enough for third in the NBA this season and No. 8 all-time among rookies.
Fellow rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama is slotted one spot higher than Holmgren, ranking second in the NBA and No. 7 all-time amongst rookies with 2.8 blocks per game.
Dikembe Mutombo, Mark Eaton, Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O'Neal, David Robinson and Manute Bol all rank ahead of Holmgren and Wembanyama on the rookie blocks per game list.
With Mutombo averaging three blocks per game during his rookie season, both Wembanyama and Holmgren will have the chance to usurp the Hall of Fame inductee.
Earlier this season, Holmgren swatted a whopping 15 shots in a two-game span, marking the most over that length since Serge Ibaka. The Gonzaga product achieved this feat with eight blocks against the Nuggets on Dec. 16 and then seven more blocks against the Memphis Grizzlies two nights later.
Holmgren also recorded seven blocks in his second career NBA game back in late October.
As the rookie big man continues to become more acclimated to life in the NBA, Holmgren will likely have more big defensive performances like the aforementioned contests. However, there is also a chance that, as Holmgren's prowess as a defender grows, opposing offenses will be less likely to challenge him in the paint.
As the season has progressed, it already appears that Holmgren's length and production have deterred some would-be shot-takers from trying to finish over the Rookie of the Year candidate.
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