NBA: How are the top picks from the draft performing in Summer League?

Chet Holmgren, C, Oklahoma City Thunder

Chet Holmgren came out hot to start the Summer League. Holmgren had experts thinking that he was already the next basketball unicorn, and even though his play has returned to earth, the expectations and what we have seen have been impressive.

To start with the negatives, Holmgren has struggled against powerful centers. Undrafted Kenneth Lofton had a field day against him. Loftin was pushing Holmgren around with no issue. His size should improve, as Holmgren is only 20 years old. Even though Holmgren is thin, he is still very aggressive, but his strength must improve to make an impact against big-name centers like Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokic.

Holmgren has insane potential; if we look at his first game, we can see what he could become in the league. He had some of the best shot-blocking in the draft, standing 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-6 wingspan and fearless on the floor, allowing Holmgren to protect the rim easily. His ball-handling is mindboggling at his height, and at times his shooting is reminiscent of the great Dirk Nowitzki.

Holmgren has all the upside to become a player like Dirk but give him some time to adjust to the NBA. Holmgren has lived up to his draft selection and should continue to improve the more he plays and the stronger he gets.