The second overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, Chet Holmgren, has missed the whole season right after being drafted. The former Gonzaga superstar hasn’t played for the Oklahoma City Thunder in an official NBA game yet after suffering a season-ending injury last year. However, things are going pretty well for the up-and-coming star big man and he seems to have recovered. Chet has already stepped foot on the court recently, during the 2023 Summer League. But, questions will come to mind – Is Chet Holmgren going to be considered a rookie in the 2023-2024 season? Will he be eligible to win the 2024 Rookie of the Year award? Let’s answer all of that, here.
Chet Holmgren appeared to have injured his foot after guarding a driving LeBron James during the Crawsover Pro-Am league
Last year, Chet Holmgren participated in a star-studded Crawsover Pro-Am game organized by the legendary sixth man, Jamal Crawford. Held in Seattle, the young star was joined by other players in his draft class such as Paolo Banchero, Tari Eason, and Marjon Beauchamp, as well as NBA stars like LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Dejounte Murray, Isaiah Thomas, and Aaron Gordon. However, in an unexpected turn of events, Holmgren apparently injured his right foot during that game. Eventually, it would cost him to miss the whole 2022-2023 season, and will not suit up for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
After a full year of recovery, Chet Holmgren balled out in the 2023 Summer League
In this year’s Summer League, Chet Holmgren can be seen to have recovered pretty well and seems to have gained some additional weight. In his first NBA game back from injury, the 21-year-old center put up an impressive output. He posted 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks against the Utah Jazz. Aside from his scoring prowess, Holmgren also showed how impactful he can be on the defensive side of the ball.
After missing the 2022-2023 season, technically, Chet Holmgren will still be considered a rookie in the 2023-2024 season and will be eligible to win the Rookie of the Year award. His official debut is when the regular season begins in October. However, Chet could be facing the 2023 first-overall pick, Victor Wembanyama, in the showdown for the 2024 Rookie of the Year. Both play the same position and have similar play styles. Plus, they have similar physiques. These two Texas teams have a bright future ahead of them. The Thunder almost made the playoffs last season despite being already written off. Meanwhile, the Spurs got the greatest prospect since LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama, who is already given the task to bring back the winning culture in San Antonio. Surely, we will be seeing the battle of giants when the Oklahoma City Thunder face the San Antonio Spurs very soon.
Who do you think will be the Rookie of the Year next season? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us here at Spiel Times. Make sure you subscribe to our push notifications and never miss an update. You can also follow us on Spiel Anime, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Until next time!
