Jalen Suggs happy to see rookie Chet Holmgren flourishing with Thunder

ORLANDO, Fla. — After playing together for three years in high school, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Suggs will square off for the second time in the NBA on Tuesday.

Holmgren and Suggs were teammates at the Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Suggs, who is one year older, played one season at Gonzaga and had a large role in helping the program recruit Holmgren after he left for the NBA draft.

Suggs was the fifth pick by the Orlando Magic in 2021, while Holmgren was selected second in 2022 by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Suggs averaged 11.8 points and 4.4 assists as a rookie, and Holmgren is in the conversation to be the Rookie of the Year after a strong campaign.

Holmgren is averaging 16.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.6 blocks on 39.4% shooting from 3-point range in 53 games. He is second in scoring among rookies and is one of two first-year players with at least three 30-point games.

The Magic guard is thrilled to see Holmgren succeeding.

“He has played well,” Suggs said at shootaround. “He is doing what he needs to do. (He is) handling business offensively and defensively, making an impact to winning. That’s what he does; that’s the type of person and player he is. I’m happy for him.”

After Holmgren missed last season due to a foot injury, the two finally had a chance to play each other when the Thunder hosted the Magic on Jan. 13. To celebrate the occasion, they swapped jerseys after the Thunder pulled out the 112-100 victory.

Holmgren and Suggs remain close and talk constantly in a group chat with some of their other friends. Suggs is excited to see that Holmgren is healthy again and performing at a high level.

“I knew Chet was a great player,” Suggs said. “I’ve known that and have always seen it. To see him strive and flourish on this level this year after being out all last year is a blessing. I’m happy for him.”

Story originally appeared on Rookie Wire