Chet Holmgren’s Performance Leaves Thunder Fans Impressed, But Questions Remain
The highly anticipated second overall pick in the 2022 draft, Chet Holmgren, has been making waves in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s lineup this season. After missing the previous season due to injury, Holmgren has proven his worth, starting in all six games so far. But is his performance enough to satisfy Thunder fans?
As the team’s starting center, Holmgren has been making an impact with impressive statistics. He currently ranks second among rookies in scoring, averaging 17.2 points per game. Additionally, he is fourth in rebounds with 7.3 per game and leads all rookies with 2.3 blocks. What stands out the most is his remarkable shooting efficiency, with an impressive shooting range of 62.5% from the field, 56.5% from beyond the arc, and 87.0% from the free-throw line.
Before the season began, concerns were raised about Holmgren’s ability to regain his form after the injury. However, his current performance suggests that those worries were unfounded. It is worth noting, though, that his exceptional shooting percentages may be difficult to maintain in the long run.
One interesting observation is the distribution of Holmgren’s shots. In the six games played, he has taken 16 shots from beyond the three-point line, compared to only 11 shots in the paint area. While his shooting accuracy justifies this strategy, it raises the question of whether head coach Mark Daigneault has altered the team’s tactics to accommodate Holmgren’s skillset.
However, some critics argue that Holmgren’s positioning on the perimeter limits the Thunder’s offensive capabilities. By relying too heavily on outside shooting, the team may miss out on crucial opportunities to exploit the paint and create different offensive strategies to counter opponents.
While Holmgren’s offensive performance is commendable, concerns remain regarding the team’s defense. Last season, the Thunder struggled in the absence of a solid presence in the paint, and unfortunately, this weakness persists despite Holmgren’s addition. Opponents have taken advantage of this vulnerability, punishing the Thunder whenever their outside shooting is on point – as seen in their recent 30-point loss to the Denver Nuggets.
That being said, Holmgren has displayed discipline on the defensive end, evident in his impressive seven-block game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, which tied a Thunder rookie record. However, it is evident that Holmgren prioritizes overall defensive stability over chasing individual accolades. It leads to speculation whether the team’s defensive approach is overly cautious, as they continue to adjust to incorporating Holmgren into their system.
As the team navigates the balance between offense and defense, it is clear that the coaching staff intends to protect Holmgren, but it may not be the optimal strategy at this moment. While Holmgren’s contributions have been valuable, Thunder fans were hoping for a more drastic improvement in the team’s overall performance.
Indeed, Holmgren’s current form is impressive, but he still has much room to grow after a year of training at the NBA level. Fans eagerly await how he will further elevate his game and help the Thunder achieve success. Only time will tell.
Chet Holmgren, who missed last season due to injury, has played in all 6 games so far this season. Does the performance of this highly anticipated second overall pick in the 2022 draft satisfy Thunder fans? The new project[Tri Munud o Thunder]which will be launched this week, a short one, let’s read it together –
The Oklahoma City Thunder have played 6 games so far this season. Holmgren has played every game as the starting center, averaging 17.2 points (2nd among rookies, the following are rookie rankings) and 7.3 rebounds in 29.1 minutes per game (4th), 2.3 blocks (1st). Holmgren was only 6th with 9.3 shots per game, but he scored points very efficiently with a high level shooting range of 62.5%-56.5%-87.0%!
Before the start of the season, the outside line was the most worried about whether he could get it back, but his current situation is incredibly good. But in a way, this shooting percentage is too good to stay like this.
It is also worth noting that Holmgren only took 11 shots in the paint area around the basket in these 6 games, but took 16 shots from outside the three point line. Although it is supported by shooting percentage, it certainly cannot be said that taking more outside shots is a bad thing, but did head coach Mark Daigneault directly change the tactical position assigned to Mike Muscala to Holmgren’s name?!
Xiaomei also admires Musky, but Holmgren should be able to do more. Standing on the outside like other teammates will not help the Thunder develop more changes on the offensive end in response to different opponents!
What is more concerning than the offensive end is the problem that the Thunder team defense was too tight last season because there was no one in the penalty area It still exists this season and has not improved with the addition of Holmgren. As long as the opponent’s outside shooting percentage is on the line, the Thunder will be severely punished. This was true in the 30 point loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Holmgren’s own defensive discipline is not a problem. Although his 7 blocks in one game in Cleveland tied the Thunder rookie record, it is clear that he is not obsessed with chasing blocking data. At the same time, his performance is conflicting really better than expected. how to protect yourself after a collision. On this basis, does the team’s defense continue to shrink too much because it is still adjusting to the defensive system after joining Holmgren? Don’t believe it enough? Or do you still guard it carefully?
Whether the offensive end focuses on the outside, or the defensive end minimizes direct contact with opponents, I think the coaching staff must have the intent to protect, but clearly this is not the ideal way to use it at the moment.
Although Holmgren can still play healthy, play almost 30 minutes per game, and achieve the best performance among rookies, which has given Thunder fans a little relief, but it is not just an upgrade that fans Thunder wanted it. Musk’s version.
Holmgren is very good right now, but after a year of training at the NBA level, it’s not enough to be highly praised. After establishing your base, how can you help the Thunder more clearly? That remains to be seen.
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