Chet Holmgren dominantes Summer League debut; Durant praises his performance

Chet Holmgren, who was selected 2nd overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder, continues to take the NBA by storm.

The Minnesota native dominated in his Summer League debut, pouring in 23 points in just nine shots, one steal, hauling in seven rebounds, in addition to tying a Summer League record with six blocks, and dishing out four assists.

Holmgren was surprised when he was told the six blocked shots tied a Summer League record, and told ESPN he plans on breaking that record.

On NBA radars since his high school days in Minnesota when he led the U.S.A to junior gold medals, the 20-year-old went on to win Tournament MVP at the 2021 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup.

Durant gives props to Holmgren on Twitter

While many basketball fans are buzzing over Holmgren on social media, an NBA star who had a very similar start of his career in the NBA, praised the 20-year-old following his Debut.

Back in 2007, the OKC Thunder selected Kevin Durant 2nd overall hoping he could become a future NBA star- the same aspirations as with Holmgren. From then on, Durant won four scoring titles, was named an All-Star 12 times, a two-time NBA Champion, a League MVP and Finals MVP, with ten-time All-NBA honors and Rookie of the Year honors, as well as a part of the 75th-anniversary team honoring the top-75 players in the history of the NBA.

All that being said, the Hall of Famer made sure to comment on Holmgren’s performance following his Debut, and tagged him personally on Twitter. His post read, “I see you cooking 7. First day on the job was a success, love the kicks @ChetHomlgren”

Holmgren, who was wearing Durant’s signature shoes (KD 15s), responded to Durant with a prayer and a fist emoji.

Oklahoma seems to have a great vision when it comes to investing in star players.