JJ Redick excited to watch rookie Chet Holmgren, Thunder next season
Former 15-year NBA veteran JJ Redick is very high on the Oklahoma City Thunder next season and is eager to watch rookie Chet Holmgren hit the court for the first time.
Holmgren is fresh off a strong showing in summer league, averaging 16.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.5 blocks, two assists and one steal in four games between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. He finished off his stay in the desert with 25 points, nine rebounds and five blocks on July 12.
The former second pick did struggle to shoot from 3-point range, hitting just one shot on 11 attempts. Redick, speaking recently on his podcast, believes the Thunder would greatly benefit if Holmgren can become a consistent 3-point shooter.
Overall, Redick is eager to see how Holmgren handles the NBA schedule.
I am, particularly, fascinated with Chet, and I would put Victor (Wembanyama) in this category as well, to see how these guys hold up over an 82-game season, and no one is saying they’re going to play all 82, but I am excited to see them go through the grind for the first time.
The Thunder took a big step forward last season after qualifying for the play-in tournament in the Western Conference. Led by first-time All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the team also got some tremendous play from Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams, Lu Dort and others.
With Holmgren healthy and set to debut next season, they will run it back with much of the same roster, including additions Cason Wallace and Vasilije Micic. The Thunder project to be a fun group to watch and should be in store for more improvement.
